Pope Francis invites new mothers to breastfeed in the Sistine Chapel during baptism ceremony
'Breastfeed them. Don't be afraid, because this too is the language of love,' pontiff tells parents of newborns at service
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pope Francis told new mothers they should feel free to breastfeed their babies in the Sistine Chapel if they felt hungry.
The pope baptised 34 infants during in a ceremony that lasted more than two hours at the Vatican on Sunday and told their mothers to feel free to breastfeed.
He told women taking part in the service not to be afraid of breastfeeding their children in the chapel, describing the act as "the language of love".
In an short, improvised homily, 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."
During the ceremony that lasted more than two hours, Francis baptised 18 girls and 16 boys, including two pairs of twins.
The Argentine has made similar comments in past ceremonies, including a baptism service in January 2017.
Television pictures showed at least one mother bottle-feeding her child.
Women still face harassment for breastfeeding in public in some countries.
The papal baptism is a yearly event restricted to children of employees of the Vatican or the diocese of Rome. Francis is also bishop of the Italian capital.
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments