Pope Francis praises Indonesia’s commitment to large families
Francis contrasts Indonesia's family values with global pet-over-child trend
On Wednesday, Pope Francis praised Indonesians for their commitment to large families, contrasting their choices with a trend in other countries where many people prefer pets over children.
Speaking in Jakarta alongside President Joko Widodo, the 87-year-old pontiff highlighted the nation’s strong family values. “Your country has families with three, four, or five children that keep moving forward, which is reflected in the age levels of the country,” he said.
Francis also pointed out a concerning trend in other parts of the world, where people increasingly choose pets over children. He encouraged Indonesians to continue their example, humorously noting that in some countries, families prefer having a cat or dog instead of a child.
Indonesia, despite having a higher birth rate than many Western countries, has experienced a decline in fertility rates in recent years. This theme of falling birth rates and the preference for pets over children is one Pope Francis has addressed before, warning of homes “filled with objects and emptied of children.” He remarked on the abundance of pets compared to the scarcity of children on another occasion.
During his Southeast Asia tour, despite health challenges, the pontiff maintained a hectic schedule on the first leg of his 11-day journey through four nations. He praised Indonesia’s ability to sustain a “magnificent mosaic” of cultural and religious diversity but cautioned that this balance requires active protection.
The visit comes amid episodes of religious violence in Indonesia, including a 2021 suicide bombing outside a Catholic cathedral. Amnesty International expressed hope that Francis’ visit would help curb such acts of intolerance and bolster religious freedom in the country.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Reuters reports that Pope Francis praises Indonesians for their large families, suggesting that they prioritize children over pets, while highlighting this as a positive family value. (read more)
- Yahoo News reports Pope Francis re-entered a controversial debate on parenthood, praising Indonesia’s high birthrate and humorously remarking that some prefer pets over children. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Pope Francis commend Indonesians for?
Pope Francis praised Indonesians for prioritising large families.
What trend did Pope Francis criticize in other countries?
He criticised the trend of people opting for pets instead of children.
What did Pope Francis say about Indonesia’s birth rates?
He noted Indonesia has a higher birth rate but has seen a decline in fertility rates recently.
What concern did Pope Francis express about homes in Europe?
He warned of homes filled with objects and emptied of children.
What did Pope Francis say about Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity?
He praised Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity but emphasized it must be actively defended.
