In the Footsteps of St Francis: How Pope Francis Gave Voice to all Creatures

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope in 2013, the world took notice of a humble gesture with profound meaning—he chose the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. This was the first time in history a pope had taken that name. It wasn’t just symbolic. It was a promise.

From that moment on, Pope Francis would go on to be one of the most compassionate voices in global leadership—one who reminded us, again and again, that caring for our planet includes caring for its animals.

Animal lovers around the world are deeply moved by his passing. For me—and for many who see animals not merely as companions, but as family—his death feels personal. We haven’t just lost a pope; we’ve lost a moral guide who recognised all living beings as part of a sacred whole.

A Name that Carried a Mission

St. Francis of Assisi believed that all creatures were brothers and sisters under God’s care. He preached to birds, negotiated peace with a wolf, and honoured every animal as a fellow traveller on life’s journey. By choosing his name, Pope Francis aligned himself with these ideals: simplicity, compassion, humility, and care for all life.

That choice set the tone for a papacy that would break many traditions—not just within the Catholic Church but in the broader conversation about ethics, creation, and what it means to love selflessly.

Laudato Si’: A Wake-Up Call to Humanity

One of the most powerful expressions of Pope Francis’ commitment to the planet and its creatures came in 2015, when he released the encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. In it, he spoke of the “intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet,” calling on the world to adopt an integral ecology—one that sees nature, animals, and human beings as interconnected.

He didn’t just talk about pollution or climate change. He went deeper, urging us to reflect on our moral duty to live gently on the earth and to treat all living beings with dignity. He lamented the extinction of species, the abuse of animals in industrial farming, and the destruction of forests and oceans. His words were both a warning and a blessing.

Animals and the Afterlife

Pope Francis also brought comfort to countless animal lovers when he suggested, in a pastoral setting, that “Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.” While not an official Church doctrine, this simple statement—especially coming from a pope—was powerful. It reassured many that the bonds we share with our pets are not lost in death, but may very well be eternal.

This message resonated deeply with people of all faiths and backgrounds. In a world where animals are so often neglected or abused, Pope Francis reminded us that they, too, are part of God’s creation—and that kindness should never stop at the species line.

A Legacy We Must Uphold

For animal lovers, Pope Francis was more than a pope—he was an ally, a voice for the voiceless, and a moral compass reminding us to look beyond ourselves. His teachings challenge us to widen the circle of compassion. And now, in his absence, that responsibility falls on us.

Let’s honour his legacy by advocating for stronger animal welfare laws, supporting shelters and sanctuaries, promoting ethical treatment of wildlife, and choosing kindness in the small, everyday interactions we have with animals.

We can also live more consciously—reducing waste, being mindful of the products we buy, and remembering that every action has an impact on the ecosystems we share with animals.

A Final Blessing

Pope Francis’ final public appearance—delivered from a wheelchair on Easter Sunday—was a poignant image of enduring service despite physical decline. His words may now fall silent, but his message continues to echo in every act of mercy, every rescued animal, every tree planted, and every moment we choose compassion over convenience.

As the world reflects on his life, may we remember him not only as the Pope of the poor, the reformer, and the voice of conscience—but also as a gentle friend to the earth and all its creatures.

Rest in peace, Holy Father. You were not only a People’s Pope but also a Pope of Animals.