It was a heartwarming story for legions of pet owners and animal lovers around the world.
Pope Francis, talking to a distraught boy whose pet had died, declared there was a place in heaven for the creatures we share our lives with. His comment was reported last week by many news media outside Italy, with dozens of articles in the United States. It was veritable catnip on social media.
However, it turned out the pope had not made the comment.