Pope Francis told mothers during a baptismal ceremony of 33 babies at the Sistine Chapel that if their young ones cried out in hunger, to go ahead — breastfeed them, The Associated Press reported.
He issued the same invitation during last year’s baptizing ceremonies, the news outlet said.
During his homily, the pope said the word of God was akin to “substantial food” that would help the children grow and develop, AP said. He also said to the mothers: “Give your children milk … also now, if they are crying for hunger, nurse them,” AP reported.
The pope also strayed from his prepared speech to tell those present that they should read the Gospel on a daily basis.
“Keep it in a pocket or a purse,” he said, AP reported. “This will be an example to a child to read the word of God.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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