Papal welcome

I’m delighted the new pope has taken the name of the saint widely associated with kindness to animals.

Saint Francis of Assisi referred to them as his “brothers and sisters” and led by example in advocating humane treatment of the creatures with which we share this planet.

Centuries have passed since the Patron Saint of Ecologists walked the earth, but animal cruelty is still sadly widespread and in many instances permitted by law and even encouraged by governments. I would like to think that Pope Francis will follow in his footsteps in speaking out against the horrific practices that shame humanity and bring unfathomable suffering to the so-called “lesser beings”.