Shortly after Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was named Pope Benedict XVI, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had a web page on its site congratulating the new Pope and distorting his views on animals.
Certainly Ratzinger has echoed the Catholic Church line on animals in quotes like this one that PETA cites,
Cardinal Ratzinger was echoing official church teachings, as laid out in the Catholic Catechism, which states clearly that “Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals. . . . It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly.”
Of course PETA forgets to point out that Ratzinger was selected by Pope John Paul II to oversee the production of a new Latin catechism. What does that have to say about animals?
God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice, if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.
It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.
Don’t count on the new Pope reacting favorably to PETA’s suggestion in a letter that,
We hope that you will continue to speak out for these exploited beings. In recent years, our membership has swelled with [Catholics] who believe that animals, like people, have a sacred right to life and need to be protected from violence. . . . We turn to you now, as you take on your momentous duties, and humbly ask that you lead the way into a new era of compassion and respect for all beings, regardless of species
Source:
Benedict XVI Continues Tradition of Papal Concern for Animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Undated.