Scottish Catholic Observer

A motion has been put before the Scottish parliament congratulating Pope Francis on encouraging breastfeeding.

The motion was brought by Elaine Smith, the MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston.

“That the Parliament commends the actions of Pope Francis, who recently encouraged breastfeeding in public; recognises that this took place in the Sistine Chapel [above] on 12 January 2014 when he Baptised 32 babies; understands that he said that “if they [the babies] are hungry, mothers, feed them, tranquilly;” believes that breastfeeding is of immense benefit to both mother and child; welcomes any move to encourage it; considers that women should be made to feel comfortable when breastfeeding in public, and lauds Pope Francis on his supportive stance,” it reads.

That woman had milk to give to her child; we have enough food in the world to feed everyone.

The Holy Father’s comments on Sunday remarks echo statements he made to an Italian newspaper in December in which he tied breastfeeding to the problem of global hunger.

At a recent general audience a young mother sat behind a screen with her crying infant, the Pope revealed.

“I said to her: ‘Madam, I think the child’s hungry… Please give it something to eat!’” the Pope said. “She was shy and didn’t want to breastfeed in public, while the Pope was passing. I wish to say the same to humanity: Give people something to eat! That woman had milk to give to her child; we have enough food in the world to feed everyone.”