Pope
Francis at Audience: children are greatest blessings
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held his weekly General Audience on
Wednesday, during which he continued his catechetical series on the family,
concluding his reflections on the role of children in family life. Below,
please find the English summary of the Holy Father's prepared remarks.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today we continue our reflection on
children, the greatest blessing which God has bestowed on man and woman. I wish
to focus our attention on the suffering which many children are experiencing.
From the first moments of their lives, some are rejected, abandoned, and robbed
of their infancy and future. There are those who say it is a mistake to bring
these children into the world, due to their fragility, and the hunger and
poverty they suffer. But children are never a mistake, and their sufferings are
only reasons for us to love them even more.
Every child who begs on the streets, who is denied an education
or medical care, is a cry to God. Too often, these children become prey to
criminals, who exploit them for commerce or violence. Even in wealthy
countries, they suffer due to family crises and living conditions which are at
times inhumane. In every case, their childhood is violated in body and
soul. How did Jesus respond to the children and their parents who brought
them to him: “Let the children come to me… for to such belongs the kingdom of
heaven” (Mt 19:14). How beautiful the trust of these parents, and
the response of Jesus! And there are many extraordinary parents who daily
make sacrifices for their children.
The Church offers her maternal care to all children and their
families, and she brings them the blessing of Jesus. May we always care for our
children, not counting the cost, so that they may never believe themselves to
be mistakes, but always know their infinite worth.
Greetings:
I offer an affectionate greeting to all the English-speaking
pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Audience, including those from
England, Ireland, Sweden, Nigeria, Japan, Thailand, Canada and the United
States. May the Risen Lord confirm you in faith and make you witnesses of
his love and mercy to all people. May God bless you!
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