During a papal baptism ceremony on Sunday, PopeFrancis invited mothers to breastfeed their babies if they were hungry, the Independent reported. This event takes place once a year and is reserved for the children of the employees of the Vatican or the diocese of Rome. This year 34 infants were baptized of which 18 were girls and 16 were boys. It was held at the Sistine Chapel, home of Michelangelo's famous frescoes.
Pope Francis speaks the 'language of love'
During an improvised speech, the pope said "If they start performing a concert (by crying), or if they are uncomfortable or too warm or don't feel at ease or are hungry ...
breastfeed them, don't be afraid, feed them, because this too is the Language Of Love."
This was not the first time Pope Francis addressed the issue. In 2014 he commented: "If they are hungry, mothers, feed them, without thinking twice, because they are the most important people here." He made similar comments again at the baptism ceremony in 2017.These baptism ceremonies take more than two hours and so it is very likely that some of the babies might feel uncomfortable. Pope Francis sympathized and wanted to create the best possible ambiance for such an important day for the children and their families.
The breastfeeding-in-public debate
As we enter the year 2018, Breastfeeding In Public is still under debate even in the most advanced countries in the world.
Generally, it is viewed as the best way of feeding your infant. When it comes to where you do it, views are strongly divided. Even some people who are pro-breastfeeding find it very inappropriate to do so in public.
The church is a public space and thus is not excluded from such debates. There have been many cases arising in the media of women being expelled from the church service when they needed to feed their babies.
This was the case of an American, Annie Peguero, who explained her experience in a Facebook video in 2017.
Once more, Pope Francis has pointed out an important social issue that is present around the world. With his message of love and understanding, he tried to explain that overcoming it should come as naturally as a mother feeding her child.
Hopefully, his gestures will influence the clergy to recognize it as an issue that needs addressing and they will find a solution more favorable for both mothers and their babies. That would mean normalizing breastfeeding and helping women feel comfortable through positive actions such as the Pope's.
