Christians Asked to Honor Pope’s Message by Eating Earth-Friendly Vegan Meals

His Holiness’ Desire to Spare Animals, Support the Poor, and Protect the Environment Is Easily Accommodated at Local Eateries

For Immediate Release:
September 21, 2015

Contact:
Catie Cryar 202-483-7382

Pope Francis is bound for the City of Brotherly Love, and PETA has recommendations for delicious, cruelty-free fare for his followers to sample in the city—in keeping with his inspiring statements that encourage people to support animal welfare and care for the Earth. As His Holiness has declared, “Every act of cruelty towards any creature is ‘contrary to human dignity.’” PETA is encouraging those who flock to see him to set an example by visiting Philadelphia’s many animal-friendly restaurants—including Vedge, which features a delectable portobello carpaccio; HipCityVeg, which offers a battered vegan chicken sandwich topped with dairy-free peppercorn ranch; and Sweet Freedom Bakery, which serves apple cider doughnuts.

“Eating vegan aligns perfectly with Pope Francis’ commitment to helping the poor, protecting the environment, and caring for animals,” says PETA Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA thanks His Holiness for spreading the message of kindness to all, regardless of their religion, race, gender, or species.”

As PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out, vegan eating can help end worldwide poverty. Only a fraction of the calories fed to animals are returned in the form of edible flesh, which is a tremendous waste of resources that could be applied directly to hungry populations instead. Pope Francis has also spoken about the importance of tackling environmental problems, and according to the United Nations, a global shift toward vegan eating is one of the steps that’s vital if we are to combat the most dangerous effects of climate change.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.