In Laudato Si, Pope Francis reminds us to cherish the animals, not just as food or beasts to be controlled:
Together with our obligation to use the earth’s goods responsibly, we are called to recognize that other living beings have a value of their own in God’s eyes: “by their mere existence they bless him and give him glory”,[41] and indeed, “the Lord rejoices in all his works” (Ps 104:31).
During this Season of Creation, let us not forget to appreciate all the animals of the world, including wild animals, farm animals, and our pets. We can show our appreciation for God’s creation by taking good care of our pets, ensuring that farm animals are treated with kindness and respect, and working to minimize man’s impact on wild animals.
It’s important to value all animals, not just the lovable ones. That means working to save both the whales and the Amazon, while also carefully transporting a spider you might find in your house to your backyard, unharmed.
Pope Francis makes this clear when he says:
Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.
Working together, we can help take care of our common home.
Paul Litwin
Saint Francis of Assisi at St John the Evangelist 