WHAT THE POPE DIDN’T SAY Clearly, the Bible has no place for a tyrannical anthropocentrism unconcerned for other creatures. ~ Pope Francis, Laudato Si, #68 There have been a great many articles and blog posts about the recent papal encyclical tackling environmental stewardship, Laudato Si (or Praise Be), from Pope Francis. The animal welfare community has joined the chorus, touting the many statements supporting a Christian concern for animals as a dramatic step forward for animals. Without wanting to rain on anyone’s parade, and while recognizing that there is much in the encyclical for those of us who care about animals as theological matter to be excited about, I was both surprised and disappointed by what the Pope did not say. The encyclical gives us cause for hope as a theological community at the same time that it underscores h...