IF THERE'S one Pope that could keep theological academics in the their jobs, it would probably be Pope Francis, our current Pope.
Pope Francis has already built himself a distinctly "cool" factor in his humane and liberal views on society - notably gays - and his down-to-earth connection with poorer communities.
But he made headlines last week, while comforting a crying child, when he apparently said that Paradise was open to all God's creatures.
This immediately threw open the book for academic debate on the question of whether dogs and animals have souls, which would run counter to existing doctrine.
Even Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have chimed in, suggesting that if animals have souls, perhaps Catholics should become vegans.