Pope Francis continues to leave us interesting topics to discuss. I do not remember another Pope so close in these matters. If last week he encouraged mothers to breastfeed again, he has now made very surprising statements to come from who they come from: a 78-year-old man who is neither more nor less than the highest representative of the Catholic Church.
If you have grown up with the idea that the Church encouraged its followers to have the children that God commands, the Pope has defended responsible parenthood saying, in the colloquial language to which we are accustomed, that to be a good Catholic you don't have to "have children like rabbits". How do you stay?
The common sense of this man has me stunned. And I celebrate it, beyond the institution it represents. The amazing thing is that it represents an immovable institution in matters related to birth control.
Let us clarify that the statements made on the plane when he returned from his trip to Manila where the excess population of the poor classes is a problem, as in so many other countries.
The children God sends?
However catholic one may be, is it necessary to follow the mandate of the Bible to "bear fruit and multiply" or as adult beings and responsible for the children we bring to the world to ensure that they will live as dignified as possible?
The most disadvantaged classes are the most disadvantaged, of course. As much as it provides, God does not support children. There are many children who starve to death because their parents cannot feed a dozen mouths, or because they have not had access to drinking water. Does God want to bring children into the world to die? Remember that every year 18 thousand children die in the world before their fifth birthday. Many of these deaths could be avoided with adequate birth control. in the most disadvantaged countries.
What if you can support many children and give them everything they need? In that case, is it worth having the ones God sends? Having children is a very personal decision, as well as the number of children that are going to be had. It is really a personal decision that must match the couple's personal decision.
For me, and if I could keep them, I would have the house full of children. But first of all, I would consider the number of children based on the time and dedication that I could give each of them. So I have thought about it, that's why I only have three. It is not about producing children, but about raising them. And raising I understand it as something more dedicated than just keeping them financially.
The woman who faced an eighth caesarean section
Returning to the statements of Pope Francis, they came up with an anecdote he told on the plane. He said he scolded a pregnant lady of the eighth child, who had seven caesarean sections and would need another. He said: "But do you want to leave seven orphans? That is tempting God."
The Pope reported having told him that "that is irresponsible," to which she replied: "No, I trust God." He said: "But look, God gives you the means to be responsible."
And added "Some believe that to be good Catholics - forgive me the word - we must be like rabbits. No: responsible parenthood".
Eye, do not go to believe that their statements have been so revolutionary. He clarified that "openness to life is a condition of the sacrament of marriage," but that "that does not mean that the Christian should have children in series."
Now we just need that common sense that shows the Pope translate into concrete responses adapted to today's world. I believe that the Church should review its position on the use of contraceptive methods for birth control. What do you think of the Pope's statements? Are you in favor of responsible parenthood or having the children God sends?
