Pope Francis sparks debate over prioritizing children over pets

In his recent remarks during a visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis faced criticism after his comments directed at couples who choose to have pets instead of children. According to the "Daily Mail," the leader of the Catholic Church emphasized the importance of large families in a world facing the problem of declining birth rates. The Pope warned childless couples and criticized their decision.

Critics accuse the Pope of hypocrisy, highlighting that he is advising in this area as a person without children. Additionally, the issue of rising living costs and the limitations faced by modern families, especially in raising children, was raised.

Harriet Morton-Liddle, co-founder of Nugget Savings, stressed that such comments are insensitive and completely out of touch with reality, especially considering the financial challenges preventing some couples from deciding to have children.

During his stay in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, Pope Francis also signed a declaration with Imam Istiqlal Nasaruddin Umar calling for interfaith harmony for the good of humanity. Priorities included unity between faiths, protecting the dignity of every human life, and actions to combat climate change.

We take on the responsibility to address the serious and sometimes dramatic crises that threaten the future of humanity such as wars and conflicts... and the environmental crisis, which is an obstacle to the growth and co-existence of peoples - the Pope stated.

Francis's visit was part of an extended trip through Southeast Asian countries, and the main message was unity and brotherhood.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis' controversial statements about having children versus the preference for caring for pets provoke a discussion about social responsibility, demographic challenges, and the role of the modern church in the age of global crises.