"Dog Owners Will See Their Dogs Again In 'Paradise' --Pope Francis

Pope Francis has been quoted saying all dogs go to heaven. His words
of comfort to a young boy grieving for his dead dog have given hope to
animal lovers seeking a spot in heaven for their dogs. UPIreport:

The pontiff spoke to the boy during a recent appearance on St. Peter's
Square in Vatican City and the Roman Catholic leader's words have been
cited by some as a confirmation of a 1989 animated movie's title:All
Dogs Go to Heaven.

"One day, we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ.
Paradise is open to all of God's creatures," the pope was quoted as
telling the boy.

The statement seems to contradict a 2008 sermon by Francis'
predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in which he said the death of an
animal means nothing more than "the end of existence on earth."

Pope John Paul II said in 1990 that animals have souls and are "as
near to God as men are."

Christine Gutleben, senior director of faith outreach at the Humane
Society of the United States, said Pope Francis' statements have
stirred excitement among animal lovers.