Thoughts from Pope Francis...

​"Among the many aspects of mercy, there is one which consists of feeling pity for those who are in need of love. Pity is a concept present in the Greek-Roman world, where however it indicated … above all the devotion due to the gods, then respect for children for their parents and in particular the elders. Today, however, we must be careful not to identify pity with pietism, which is quite widespread and is merely a superficial emotion that offends the dignity of the other. In the same way, pity must not be confused with the compassion we may feel for animals who live with us; at times one may indeed feel this sentiment towards animals yet remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers [and sisters]." (Pope Francis)