To think Pope Francis is talking out of his arse here?

[CounsellorTroi]

Says couples who prefer pets to children are selfish. It’s a bit rich from someone who effectively chose not to have children when he became a priest.

www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/05/pope-couples-choose-pets-children-selfish

I don’t know how he came out with this as he seemed quite reasonable until this point!

I thought that was bizarre and quite out of character for him: generally speaking he has seemed sensible and progressive (as Popes go). The environmental considerations alone of a remark like that are daft.

Also someone who has the power to remove celibacy for all priests thus allowing them to marry and have families!

Of course that would have monetary implications for the church so it won’t happen.

I don't have much time for the Catholic church with their views on women priest's and birth control so wasn't particularly surprised by this twaddle.

I still like the old fella more than any of the others (I'm in Italy so we get him a lot!) but I agree. It's really because of Italy's ageing population and declining birthrate that he's said it. Not that Italians (sweeping generalisation) seem that keen on pets either tbh. At least not many people that I know.
Some funny memes going round about it. About leaving your feral kids with Francis for a day and then coming back for them and hearing him say he's decided to have a hamster instead.

I don't agree with him, but it's hardly surprising that the Pope thinks this! Getting married and having children is a pretty strongly encouraged in Catholicism!

Utter nonsense spouted from someone who is childless.

@WrittenInGold - it would be great if him and his cardinals led by an example.
Or monasteries and nunneries. At least one child per nun and a monk.

I've thought he was unreasonable from the time I started reading what he says.

Elon Musk said the same thing. There does seem to be an issue with the birth rate in western countries

He should mind his own business. Just another way to try and keep women in their place ( ie the kitchen/bedroom/nursery). Perhaps he would like to set up a fund to help couples (that are buckling under the financial strain of trying to just pay bills) to finance bringing up children!

Sorry, similar thing. That people are not having enough babies

It's standard RC doctrine and there are countries where the aging and dwindling population are already causing economic and healthcare problems, that are only going to be exacerbated as the populations continue to fall.
It's true that population control is better for the environment but until we have a truly global population with equal population density across the globe, then falling birth rates are going to prove an economic and medical problem for Western nations.

YANBU but awaiting the comments on here from people who just didn’t understand love until/were totally selfish before having kids and now think they’re superior to everyone without them.

I find it funny people are surprised at this - the pope, quite famously, is catholic.

Also those asking who’s going to fund our pensions/wipe our arses etc…

Are they running out of altar boys?

@MabelsApron

YANBU but awaiting the comments on here from people who just didn’t understand love until/were totally selfish before having kids and now think they’re superior to everyone without them.

Very true. They'll be along shortly I expect! Get your bingo card at the ready.

People aren't having babies because financially it's crippling for many. If he wants more babies then advocate for better wages, lower housing costs, better and more affordable childcare and men to do their fair share of raising them

[quote EerieSilence]@WrittenInGold - it would be great if him and his cardinals led by an example.
Or monasteries and nunneries. At least one child per nun and a monk.[/quote]
Oh rumour has it they've all got more than one. The monks and priests at least. Bit harder to hide away for the nuns.

@Tania64

He should mind his own business. Just another way to try and keep women in their place ( ie the kitchen/bedroom/nursery). Perhaps he would like to set up a fund to help couples (that are buckling under the financial strain of trying to just pay bills) to finance bringing up children!

There are Church funds that help families. There are also lots of local faith-based groups that support families that are struggling, provide furniture/clothes/money/food/nappies, etc. They've been in existence for years and offer support to anyone who needs it regardless of faith.

The tend, at least in the U.k. is for 3 children. He’s an old fart.

The fertility rate in UK is under 2 per woman.

@EerieSilence I am in no way defending his stance. I just think, well what do you expect from the pope? "Who needs marriage, get a cat!" That's not very Pope.

Lol at the Pope should mind his own business. Again, popes not known for that.