The Pope spoke about a paradise for animals

Pope Francis consoled the boy, who mourned the death of his dog, assuring him that the doors of Paradise were open to animals.

The Pope spoke about a paradise for animals

"The day will come, and we will see our animals in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is open to all the creatures of God, "said the pontiff.

The statement of Pope Francis was enthusiastically accepted by associations of protective animals, including the Humane Society. Recognition of the existence of the soul in animals will entail many ethical issues related to the treatment to which they are exposed. In particular, believers may have to revise the question of eating animals for food.

This position is far from the position of the predecessors of Francis, in particular Benedict XVI, who in 2008 stated that for animals death means "the end of earthly existence", thereby confirming the claim that animals do not have a soul.