The Interwebz are ablaze with the story that Pope Francis encouraged breastfeeding—and in the Sistine Chapel of all places!
What did he say? And what did he mean?
Here are 5 things to know and share . . .
1) When did Pope Francis make his remarks?
It was Sunday, January 12, the commemoration of the Baptism of the Lord.
He was in the Sistine Chapel, where he baptized 32 babies.
It is customary for Popes to perform baptisms on this day.
We’ve talked about that before.
He took the occasion to give a brief homily.
It’s online in Italian here, but the full English translation is not up yet.
2) What did he say?
According to a Vatican Radio story:
The Holy Father concluded his homily with a special word of affection for the newly baptized children.
“Today the choir sings,” he said, “but the most beautiful choir is [the choir] of children” making noise.
He continued, “Some are crying, because they are uncomfortable, or because they are hungry. If they are hungry, mothers, give them something to eat… they are the central figures, the protagonists [of this celebration].”
It was with this “awareness of being the transmitters of faith” that Pope Francis continued on to the ceremony of Baptism.
3) Wait. He didn’t mention breastfeeding. Is this story being distorted?
I miss Pope Benedict.
Classy!
Yes, he was.