Scottish Catholic Observer

A society can be judged by the way it treats its children, Pope Francis told a crowd of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican this morning.

The Holy Father was speaking during his weekly general audience, continuing his catechesis on the family.

“I think of the many happy children I saw during my recent visit to Asia, but also of the countless children throughout our world who are living in poverty and need,” the Pope said. “A society can be judged by the way it treats its children. Within our families, children remind us that from our earliest years we are dependent on others. We see this in Jesus himself, who was born a child in Bethlehem.

“Children also remind us that we are always sons and daughters; rather than being in complete control of our lives, we never cease being radically dependent on others.

“They challenge us to see things with a simple, pure and trusting heart, to receive and to offer warmth and ‘tenderness,’ and to laugh and cry freely in response to the world around us. Jesus urges us to become like children, since God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.”

Pope Francis concluded his address by calling on the faithful to ‘welcome and treasure our children, who bring so much life, joy and hope to the world.’

“How sad and bleak would our world be without them!” he added.

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