Furry creatures of all shapes and sizes were welcomed into churches on Sunday in celebration of the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Each October, churches remember St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, by offering a special blessing for pets.
St. Francis was known as a champion of the poor, and serves as the pope’s namesake. Pope Francis has embraced St. Francis’ mission of humility and simplicity. On Friday, he visited the Umbrian hillside town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis.
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Pope visits birthplace of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi