Prominent among the supporters gathered to celebrate Pope Francis’ arrival in the Philippines, a “seal,” a “kangaroo,” a “mouse,” a “cow,” an “elephant,” and other mascots from PETA Asia-Pacific arrived holding signs declaring, “Mercy and Compassion for ALL Beings,” to deliver a special message of compassion to Pope Francis, who chose his name from St. Francis, known for his kindness to all of God’s creation.
According to Sarah Withrow King, director of Christian outreach and engagement for PETA, “One of the most loving steps Pope Francis and all Christ-followers can take to help animals is going vegan and enjoying all the delicious options now available for which not one of God’s creatures was killed.”
Animals raised and killed for food need the help of leaders like Pope Francis to set a meaningful example for Christ’s followers around the world regarding our role as merciful stewards—a role that requires loving action for animals suffering on factory farms and in slaughterhouses around the world.
Not only is going vegan easier than some people might think—with endless options offered at grocery stores and restaurants all around the world—it’s also a chance for followers of Jesus to be prophetic witnesses of the peaceable (and vegan) kingdom to come.
