Pope Francis has criticised couples who choose not to have children.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The 85-year-old told scores of the faithful at a general audience in the Vatican audience hall on Wednesday.
“Too many couples don’t have children because they don’t want any, or they have only one because they don’t want any more.
“But they have two dogs, two cats. Dogs and cats take the place of children.
“Yes, I understand, it makes you laugh, but that is the reality,’’ the leader of the Catholic Church continued.
According to the pope, those who live in the world and marry must think of having children,’’ the pontiff stressed.
Having children naturally or through adoption is a risk, but not having them is even riskier, he said.
Last week the Pope said that Italy was facing a “demographic winter” when the country’s birth-rate figures which had fallen again as it were published.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
