"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men"

Francis of Assisi’s statement reflects a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all forms of life and the ethical continuum that links our treatment of animals with our behavior toward each other. Compassion, according to Francis, does not exist in isolated compartments. It is not selective. When people choose to withhold empathy and kindness from any being — even those perceived as lesser or different — they foster a habit of dehumanization and insensitivity that will eventually affect their interactions within the human community. The human heart and conscience cannot be partitioned so neatly; habits of cruelty, indifference, or disregard developed toward animals gradually erode the capacity for genuine concern for people as well.

Treating animals with compassion is not merely an act of sentimentality, but an essential exercise in nurturing our fundamental sensibilities. It reminds us that life, regardless of form, has intrinsic value. Developing a sense of pity and concern for “God’s creatures” creates within individuals – and by extension, societies – an environment where respect and care become the guiding principles of relational behavior. Therefore, any philosophy or social practice that legitimizes or excuses cruelty, neglect, or exclusion, even toward the most vulnerable or voiceless creatures, undermines the moral foundation necessary for a just and humane society.

Francis’s insight anticipates modern discussions on the relationship between systemic violence and the normalization of cruelty in society. Where compassion is faltering, whether toward animals or humans, there emerges a culture of exclusion, exploitation, and ultimately, violence. His words echo the idea that the manner in which we treat those with the least power — animals included — is a reflection and predictor of how we are likely to treat each other. True compassion is universal, inclusive, and undivided. By fostering mercy toward all living things, we lay the groundwork for genuine peace and brotherhood among people.