Pope Francis wants to see more children and criticizes couples with other plans

Created: 01/05/2022, 3:48 PM

From: Lukas Zigo

Pope Francis greets children on his arrival in Bozzolo (Italy). © Antonio Calanni / dpa

In the general audience in the Vatican, the pontiff spoke about adoption and demographic change in the West - and sees a need for action.

Vatican City / Rome - Pope Francis criticized couples who do not plan to have children in a speech. "So many couples don't have children because they don't want one, or they only have one because they don't want any more, but they have two dogs and two cats," said the 85-year-old on Wednesday (05.01.2022) at the general audience in the Vatican audience hall in front of numerous believers. The Pope continues: “Dogs and cats take the place of children. Yes, I understand, that makes you laugh, but that's the reality, ”said the head of the Catholic Church.

When the birth rate in Italy, which had fallen again, was published, the Pope was already speaking on Boxing Day of a “demographic winter *”.

Civilization is getting older and older and it lacks humanity because one loses the wealth of parenting, warned Francis on Wednesday.

Pope Francis advocates simplified adoption procedures

A country without children suffers, so Francis.

“Anyone who lives and marries in this world must remember to have children,” emphasized the pontiff.

While having children naturally or through adoption is a risk, not having one is even more risky.

At the same time, the head of the Catholic Church advocates simplified adoption rules.

In this way, "the dream of so many children who need a family" can be fulfilled * as well as that of "many couples who want to give love as gifts".

The relevant agencies would have to take a close look at their placement, but could still facilitate the way to an adoption.

Pope emphasizes the importance of adoptive and foster parents: "highest forms of love"

On the occasion of his current series of cateches, the Pope spoke about Joseph, the foster father of Jesus.

He emphasized the importance of adoptive and foster parents.

“Such a decision is one of the highest forms of love, as well as fatherhood and motherhood,” says Francis.

"How many children worldwide are waiting for someone to look after them." For many couples who cannot have children for biological reasons, adoption is a good option.

(lz / dpa / kna) *