Indeed, they are right, St Francis loved animals, his name is almost synonymous with the animal world. However, it should be mentioned that Francis’ love for animals was not the focus of his life. The Holy Trinity was his focus. St Francis saw all of creation, including animals, as a marvellous gift from God to humanity. He respected all creatures, animate and inanimate, which carry the imprint of the Most High. Therefore, Francis saw a sacred quality in all of creation. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church even notes St Francis’ relationship with animals. "Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St Francis of Assisi or St Philip Neri treated animals. "(CCC 2416)

Understanding that God was Father to all creatures, and that the love and respect we feel for our own families is extended to the whole of creation, St Francis’ spiritual oneness with all of created life was so deep he called all animals his “brothers” and “sisters”.

 It was Francis’ love for all of creation that led Pope John Paul II, in 1979, to declare him the patron saint of the environment/ecology. In a message to the World Day of Peace in 1990 the Pope wrote “As a friend of the poor who was loved by God's creatures, Saint Francis invited all of creation—animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon—to give honour and praise to the Lord.” 

St Francis sought an occasion to praise God through everything, from the smallest of worms, to Brother Sun and Sister Moon. Anything that has been created by God is also loved by God. 

Young Franciscan Newsletter https://ofsaustralia.org.au/national-newsletters/newsletters-young-franciscan/