Pope Francis baptizes 33 babies

While presiding over the baptism of 33 babies, Pope Francis told mothers of the infants, “You mothers give your children milk and even now, if they cry because they are hungry, breastfeed them, don’t worry.” During the Mass, Pope Francis also discussed the harsh reality that impoverished mothers around the world are unable to feed their children. The written text of his homily had the phrase 'give them milk,' but he changed it to use the Italian term 'allattateli', which means 'breastfeed them,' and added that they should not hesitate.

Last year, the Pope took a similar stance. During the baptism of 32 infants in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis said, “If they are hungry, mothers, feed them, without thinking twice. Because they are the most important people here.” Indeed, the Pope’s second affirmation that breastfeeding in public is permissible harkens back to art depictions of the Madonna breastfeeding that were, historically, viewed as symbols of beauty. Honestly I personally feel there is nothing more beautiful, more natural and human than a mother nurturing her infant with her own milk from her own body, the same body which gave birth to that creature only a few weeks or months earlier.