Dear Editor,
“A bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.” —Pope Francis
As a Catholic who works to stop animal suffering, I’m hopeful Pope Francis will inspire everyone to make the kind and just choice to include all animals in our circle of compassion.
St. Francis famously said, “Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission—to be of service to them wherever they require it.” St. Francis appreciated all God’s creatures and followed His example of kindness, mercy, compassion, and love for all of creation. He was kind to every animal he crossed paths with, purchasing a lamb who was destined for slaughter and raising him as a companion instead. Animals, sensing his empathy, were intuitively drawn to him. St. Francis treated all God’s creatures as brothers and sisters—not lesser species to be dominated or exploited.
Pope Francis’ two predecessors spoke out against cruelty to animals, and I hope he’ll continue their legacy. We can do our part to honor Pope Francis and his namesake, patron St. Francis of Assisi, by being kind to animals by eating vegan foods, buying cruelty-free products, wearing animal-friendly clothing, and entertaining ourselves in ways that don’t exploit them.
Sincerely,
Jana Sevilla
Campaign Coordinator
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia
Rm. 706, Fedman Bldg.
199 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village
Makati 1229, Philippines
(02) 817-5292
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