(VIDEO ONLY) Pope Francis reflected on the dramas of childhood during his catechesis. With pain in his voice, he said it was 'shameful' that many children are rejected. He added that it is not fair for them to suffer because of adults' sins. The Pope also decried the poverty and hunger in which many of them live and said the system 'that we have createdio blame.
SUMMAR OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH
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 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 meâ?¦ for to such belongs the kingdom of heavenâ? (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.
