This is the cover of the October 2012 issue of National Geographic, which featured an article titled “Ivory Worship” about how the use of objects made of ivory in the devotions of many religions, not just Catholicism, are contributing to the slaughter of elephants in Africa. PHOTO: CNS/National Geographic

17 Nov 2017

By The Record

This is the cover of the October 2012 issue of National Geographic, which featured an article titled "Ivory Worship" about how the use of objects made of ivory in the devotions of many religions, not just Catholicism, are contributing to the slaughter of elephants in Africa. PHOTO: CNS/National Geographic

This is the cover of the October 2012 issue of National Geographic, which featured an article titled “Ivory Worship” about how the use of objects made of ivory in the devotions of many religions, not just Catholicism, are contributing to the slaughter of elephants in Africa. The Catholic Church has never encouraged anyone to use ivory for religious devotional objects and, in fact, teaches that animals must be treated with respect, the Vatican spokesman said in a letter to “friends of the elephants.” (CNS photo/National Geographic) (Jan. 23, 2013) See VATICAN-IVORY Jan. 23, 2013. Editors: for editorial use only with this story.