As a Christian who is affectionate about animals, I was intrigued when I learned that St. Francis is the Patron Saint of all animals. During his time, St. Francis deeply loved and respected all animals. I learned that his message to the people was that animals were God’s creatures, too, just as humans are. He could even preach the Gospel to the birds! One of the biggest questions I have had is; did St. Francis believe that animals go to heaven?
No record of St. Francis exists of him professing that he believed animals go to heaven. However, he showed a lot of affection towards animals while he was alive and treated them as equal to humans. His words, ‘it’s lovely to think of this, to think we will find ourselves up there,’ shows that he believed in heaven. Owing to his love for animals, it is likely that he did believe they go to heaven too.
In this article, join me as we dive into St. Francis’ relationship with animals and his beliefs regarding the issue of them entering heaven. I am going to discuss related issues as well, including whether the Bible mentions anything about animals being in heaven. Lastly, we will also look at the stand of the Catholic Church on the same issue. Read on to learn these and much more.
Does the Bible Say Animals Go To Heaven?
The Bible does not directly mention that animals will go to heaven. However, the scriptures mention the presence of animals in heaven. For instance, Luke 3:6 states that ‘All flesh shall see the salvation of the Lord.’ As we all know, God’s salvation is what will lead all souls into heaven. Revelation 5:13 says, ‘And I heard every creature in heaven and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”’ This verse clearly suggests the existence of animals in heaven.
What Did St. Francis Say About Animals in Heaven?
There is no record of St. Francis ever talking about the presence of animals in heaven. However, it is evident that he believed in heaven’s existence. As an animal lover who believed animals should be treated as our equals, we can only imagine what he would say; that animals exist in heaven.
When did St. Francis Say Animals Are Going to Heaven?
There doesn’t exist a time when St. Francis said that animals are going to heaven. He only preached that animals were also God’s creatures and deserved respect and care too. Owing to his immense love for animals, most people reckon that he believed that animals go to heaven.
Where In the Bible does it Talk about Animals Going to heaven?
There is no verse in the Bible that directly talks about animals going to heaven. However, there exists numerous verses that clearly show the presence of animals in heaven. Revelation 19:11 says, ‘Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse!’ Also, Job 12:7 reads, ‘But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; The Bible suggests the presence of different animals in heaven, including horses and birds.
What Does the Catholic Church Say About Animals Going To Heaven?
The Catholic Church does not offer any official teaching on whether animals go to heaven or not. However, Popes have given some contribution towards this issue. According to Pope Paul the sixth, we will someday see all our animals in the eternity of Christ. He said that heaven is open to all of God’s creation. Pope Francis also preached that dogs and all other animals will go to heaven.
Catholics highly respect the teachings of the Pope. Words from the Pope are taken with seriousness, and most Catholics will carry the same belief as the Pope.
Is There Biblical Proof That Animals Go to Heaven?
Although no verse directly states that animals go to heaven, there are several verses that show animals existing in heaven. One of these verses is Revelations 19:14, ‘And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine line, white and pure, were following him on white horses.’ The verse is a description of events occurring in heaven. The mention of horses, is proof that animals go to heaven.
Isaiah 11:7 reads, ‘the cow and the bear shall grace; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.’ In this description of how heaven would look like, animals have not been excluded.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
