No confusion, the Pope's statement gave the youngster some peace of mind.... and maybe to a bunch of us oldster when we lose our best companion and there's hope to see them again.
If you are confused, don't worry, it'll be explained in the next life.
But can you imagine after you died, that all you favorite pets you had in this life would meet you at the Golden Gates, tails wagging, jumping up and down, the happy looks in their eyes, and wanting to lick your face. That would be heaven.