Did Pope Benedict have any pets?

Answer 1

Popes are not permitted to have any pets within the Vatican. Pope Benedict did have a pet cat before he was elected as pope. However, some popes in the past have 'bent' the law prohibiting pets. Pope Leo XII kept a small dog for company, several popes had aviaries built in the Vatican gardens, and Pope Pius XII kept caged birds in the papal apartment. You also have Pope Leo X, who was gifted a white elephant, named Hanno, by King Manuel I of Portugal. Even service animals are forbidden anywhere in the Vatican for both residents and visitors.

However, if the pope is the leader of Catholicism, who can forbid him a pet? He, basically, makes the rules.

Answer 2

No, popes are not permitted to have pets within the Vatican. Before he was elected pope, Benedict did have a pet cat. Now that Benedict is retired some have wondered if the law will be relaxed to allow him to have a cat or two as a pets. In the meantime, there are a few feral cats that visit the Vatican from time to time and Benedict may be able to at least be able to observe them.

Answer 3

The Vatican allows no pets to be kept within the city so it is doubtful that he is in possession of a cat. There are stray cats occasionally seen in the Vatican. Perhaps he is feeding one or more in the gardens surrounding the Vatican.

Answer 4

No, the pope does not have a dog. Pets are not allowed in the Vatican, including the pope.