HE HAS NEITHER CHILDREN NOR PETS

'A form of selfishness': Pope Francis criticizes people who choose to have pets over kids
Marina Pitofsky
USA TODAY

Pope Francis this week criticized individuals who opt for having pets instead of children, saying that a “denial of fatherhood or motherhood diminishes us.”

The pope on Wednesday made the comments while speaking about the figure of Joseph serving as the “foster father” of Jesus.

“Joseph shows us that this type of bond is not secondary; it is not an afterthought, no,” Pope Francis said. “This kind of choice is among the highest forms of love, and of fatherhood and motherhood. How many children in the world are waiting for someone to take care of them.”

He also lauded individuals around the world who adopt children and called for simplifying adoption procedures.

POPE FRANCIS DENIES THE TEACHINGS OF HIS NAMESAKE