It;s a statement. Nothing more. I have had priest say yes and no on this one. Do you know why? This is the type of question children often ask. Do you look into their little faces and tell them that their beloved pet will not go to heaven? My guess is there are far to many on here that would be that heartless, because after all it's not in the scriptures.
“The Lamb will lay down with the lion” is in the KJV though I can’t remember where.
I would think that one qualification for a pope’s fitness would be a thorough knowledge of the very doctrine he is supposed to promulgate. It was heresy in the Middle Ages to suggest that animals could go to Heaven, since they do not have a soul. Now we have a supreme pontiff flippantly reversing centuries of doctrine, with no scriptural basis whatsoever.
A “remark?” A “statement?” When commenting on matters of doctrine, maybe he should choose his words more carefully. His comments are scrutinized around the world, and that level of responsibility comes with the job. The most banal expression can be considered dictum ex cathedra.
What’s the expression? “Loose lips sink ships?”