Pope Francis: Couples who choose pets over children are selfish

The Pope has criticised pet owners who prefer cats and dogs over children, branding them “selfish”.

In a frank speech during his general audience at the Vatican, Francis told child-averse animal lovers they were denying themselves the “richness” of parenthood and contributing to plummeting birth rates around the world.

Kevin: "I'm trying to save the planet from over-population."

Mike: "The only person who knows less about having kids than you is the Pope. He's never even tried to make one!"

[ariariekm]

I thought it was more selfish to have kids when you don’t want them.

[karlsilverone]

I love how someone who doen't have sex and will never have children thinks he can tell the normal people what to do about sex and reproduction.

[natsohigh]

Is it not selfish to bring children into a world where you can't afford to raise them?

[ostevoostevo]

No, if people don't want to have children, that's up to them We have two children and two cats. This pope is such a woke prat.He chose being a priest over having children. Is he selfish ?

[Sukijopa]

Most people bring children into the world because they want their DNA carried on. Otherwise they'd be adopting orphans. All living beings are worthy of love and care, and my life's mission has been to share that message.

[simonjones]

Anyone who brings children into this disgusting crazy world is selfish.

[jillyc]

Some of us can't have children. I've always had dogs, golden retrievers and labradors and I love them to bits.

[WeAreThePeople]

Given the catholic churches history around children, I think he should keep his thoughts to himself, what with him being chief fiddler and all!

[MajorTm]

It's okay to be selfish. Our society has tainted the word, but selfishness is a necessary tool of survival.

[samwu]

Not having children is not a selfish thing. On the contrary, it is the opposite. The world is way over populated and we need less people. A “demographic winter” ? You wish it would last longer.

But the number one reason why people are not having children is because they are too expensive. Let the rich people have children.

[wynbrown]

I think it should be a choice, same as taking the vaccine.

[shrunkensimon]

I don't think senior catholic figures and 'morals' belong in the same sentence quite frankly. That institution is a disgrace to humanity.

[seandelap]

It's no one else's business who has children or not.

[hellsbells]

Ho chose not to bring children into the world so why is it different for everyone else, he chose a life's path that doesn't include bringing children into the world, to say other people are selfish for not wanting children, is a little bit hypocritical.

[willowwhitesage]

Hilarious. Anybody else out there who think they have a right to make judgements on everybody else. Best he jogs off and minds his own sodding business. This is getting beyond bonkers.

[seandelap]

I'm sorry but with the way how so many parents treat their own kids many of them really don't deserve to have children.

[chrishart]

Imagine someone having a child they didn't want just not to be selfish. I'm sure the best parents are the ones that don't want children.

[songscoops]

A cat is easier than a child to look after...pretty self sufficient..🤔

[detectivefiction]

I'm childfree, Catholic, and don't give two hoots what that flaky Pope Francis says.

[ruralnorthernlass]

Why and how does it make you selfish?Children are a "want" not a "need"