Pope Francis calls for policies that assist large families

December 29, 2014

Expressing gratitude “for the example of love for life that you guard from conception to natural death,” Pope Francis offered praise for large families during a December 28 meeting with the Italian Association of Large Families in the Paul VI Audience Hall.

“Motherhood and fatherhood are a gift from God, but to receive the gift, to wonder at its beauty and to make it shine in society, that is your task,” the Pope said. “Each one of your children is a unique creature that will never be repeated again in the history of humanity.”

“In a world often marked by selfishness, the large family is a school of solidarity and sharing; and this attitude then becomes a benefit for the whole society,” he continued. “The presence of large families is a hope for society.”

The Pontiff also paid tribute to the role of grandparents in providing practical help and transmitting the faith. Referring to Italy’s low birthrate, he called for policies that assist large families.

“Each family is a cell of society, but large families are a more rich cell, more vibrant, and the State has an interest in investing in it,” he said.

 

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Further information:

• Incontro del Santo Padre con l’Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Numerose (Italia) (Holy See Press Office)
• Zenit translation
• Pope Francis to large families: you are a gift to society (Vatican Radio)