Pope Francis Sparks Controversy Over Parenting Comments

During his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis sparked controversy by praising the country's high birth rate and suggesting that choosing pets over children is a sign of selfishness. In a speech at the presidential palace, he remarked, 'In your country people make three, four or five children, that's an example for every country, while some prefer to only have a cat or a little dog.' His comments drew laughter from Indonesian President Joko Widodo and ignited a wave of social media reactions, with many Indonesians humorously critiquing his perspective. Some pointed out that Indonesia's birth rate has significantly declined since the 1960s, and others indicated that many people are already opting for a childfree lifestyle. The Pope's remarks are reminiscent of similar comments he made in 2022, which also faced backlash. As he embarks on a 12-day Asia-Pacific tour, his assertion has reignited debates surrounding parenthood and societal priorities.