Pope Francis: All Dogs Do Go To Heaven
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – It's long been held by some that dogs, among other animals, are blessed. But could dogs actually have a place in the afterlife?
"I don't know if we go there, but I certainly hope they do," Alice Donovan said.
During a recent appearance at St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis said, "paradise is open to all of God's creatures."
"I believe in that. I have pets and I love my pets. I hope they are up there with me when I go there," Bob Jaeger said.
As CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported, the news has been greeted with comfort and delight by dog and animal lovers.
"I would love to believe that," Donovan said.
"When you hear anything positive about your dogs or any animals, I think that it's really comforting," Richard Martino said.
The news is also comforting to parishioners at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
"I do believe he is right because all creatures are God's creations," Lillia Sambray said.
The Pope apparently even went a little further, citing biblical passages.
An Italian news agency quoted him as saying, "One day we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ."
However, Father James Martin, editor-at-large for America Magazine, a Catholic weekly, says the Pope's remarks came in a conversation and should not be construed as official church doctrine.
"It's an insight into how he's thinking and I think that's significant. And it shows that a lot of Catholics are thinking that as well," Martin said.
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