Pope Benedict XVI and His Cats
This post is a sample of the interesting work of Jaemie Duminy.
The Pope Who Loved Cats
Pope Benedict XVI, who was born Joseph Ratzinger, is known for his deep love for cats. Before becoming a pope, he was known to feed and care for stray cats in Rome, who would often follow him around as he walked. His cat, Chico, a black-and-white domestic short hair, was featured in the children’s “autobiography” titled, “Joseph and Chico: The Life of Pope Benedict XVI as Told by a Cat.”
Apparently, inside the Vatican, Benedict was often seen greeting cats and had cat-themed items in his office. His affection for animals reflected his deep respect for God’s creation. He was known for his gentle approach to all living beings, and his affection for animals contributed to his image as a compassionate, humble figure.
Pope Benedict XVI was known for his special bond with cats, and this reputation only grew during his papacy. Vatican staff and visitors often noticed how stray cats would collect around him. Benedict would often stop what he was doing to care for stray animals, especially cats. Vatican staff and visitors observed him taking time to interact with stray animals.
“Every time he met a cat, he would talk to it, sometimes for a long time . . . The cat would follow him,” Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said in a 2005 Daily Telegraph article. “Once about 10 cats followed him into the Vatican, and one of the Swiss Guards intervened, saying ‘Look, your eminence, the cats are invading the Holy See.'”
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