Msgr. Pope on Kindness to Animals

"We live in times when excess is common. There is an old Latin saying Abusus non tollit usum (abuse does not take away the use).

"This certainly applies to our treatment of animals. There are some extremists who would equate the dignity of animals with that of humans, failing to understand that human abilities are exceptional and unique due to the capacities of our soul, made in the image of God. Others think it immoral for us to make use of animals as beasts of burden or for necessary food. Still others think that animal companions can replace healthy human relationships (rather than merely augment them).

"But whatever the extremes and errors of our time, our animals do have important roles in helping us to become more human. St. Thomas Aquinas set forth the paradoxical notion that animals can help us to be more humane and more human. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on why kindness to animals is an important virtue to cultivate.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: On Kindness to Animals and Why It Is an Important Virtue to Cultivate (6 SEP 16)