Pope John Paul II taught love for animals more than any other pope in recent memory.
Interesting thoughts on animals from the late Pope John Paul:

In 1990, His Holiness proclaimed that “the animals possess a soul and men must love and feel solidarity with our smaller brethren.” He went on to say that all animals are “fruit of the creative action of the Holy Spirit and merit respect” and that they are “as near to God as men are.” Animal lovers everywhere were overjoyed!

The Holy Father reminded people that all living beings, including animals, came into being because of the “breath” of God. Animals possess the divine spark of life—the living quality that is the soul—and they are not inferior beings, as factory farmers, fur farmers, and others who exploit animals for profit would have us believe.

After he became Pope John Paul II, His Holiness went to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and spoke of the saint’s love for animals. He declared, “We, too, are called to a similar attitude.”

Well who am I to argue with the Pope?

AMEN!

Thanks for posting this!

Cheri

That is beautiful, thank you so much for posting it. Well done, the Pope, I wish his words had been more widely communicated to the world, this is the first time I have heard those inspiring words. Thank you for sharing them with us. What a wonderful world it would be if there could be an end to animal exploitation and cruelty.

Here is a quote from Albert Schweitzer.

... until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.

The below course will be very interesting I think.
It is about animals and the fact that they have souls. I'll post the website address for it once the course is open to join. This was the pre-announcement email that I got from the website this week.

E-Course 2: Practicing Spirituality with Animals
June 21 - July 30

Anyone who has lived with animals on a day-by-day basis knows intuitively that they have souls. Indigenous peoples saw all creatures of the world as fellow-travelers. Both pets and animals in the wild are spiritual teachers who can enrich our lives immeasurably.

This e-course will explore the messages and meanings of these wonderful beings. We hope that the quotations and the accompanying spiritual practices in this 40-day adventure will lead you to deeper encounters with the animals in your life. We will be drawing upon the wisdom and life experiences of naturalists, essayists, and poets, Diane Ackerman, Roger Caras, Matthew Fox, Brenda Peterson, Gunilla Norris, Terry Tempest Williams, and many others.

Margo and Jilly,

So very glad you made these posts! I was not aware of the late Pope's thoughts on animals. I agree with Cheri - "AMEN!"

Lynn

Beautiful words! Thank you for posting them.

Nancy

Thanks for posting it, I knew in my heart it was true. Pamela

Thank you for the post. Rest in Peace John Paul. What a great homecoming there will be for you.