Pope Francis has said that it is acceptable for parents to slap their children in order to discipline them.
The controversial pope made the remarks in front of thousands of people at a general address in St Peters Square earlier this week. The shocking comments came just days after he said that anyone who insulted his mother could expect a punch in the face.
Pope Francis was speaking on the topic of fatherhood, when he recalled speaking to a young father about how the man disciplined his children. “One time, I heard a father say, “At times I have to hit my children a bit, but never in the face, so as not to humiliate them.” That’s great. He had a sense of dignity. He should punish, do the right thing and then move on.”
The Pontiff’s remarks also coincide with the leaders of the Catholic clergy receiving a letter from him urging them to cooperate with the new sex abuse inquiry – even if it means uncovering more scandals. “Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children,” he said.
This is the latest in a long line of controversial remarks made by the Pope recently. Last week saw him apologising to large Catholic families for saying that there was no need to “breed like rabbits.” The outspoken Pope also sparked debate earlier this month by encouraging mothers to breastfeed in the Sistine Chapel.
