Pope Francis: Decision not to have children is ‘selfish’
February 14, 2015 2:53pm
Pope Francis called the decision of couples who wish to remain childless "selfish," making them part of a "greedy generation."

The pope cited the Encyclical Humanitae Vitae as saying that "having children cannot automatically be viewed as an irresponsible choice." 

"The choice to not have children is selfish. Life rejuvenates and acquires energy when it multiplies: It is enriched, not impoverished!" he proclaimed.
 
"A society with a greedy generation, that doesn’t want to surround itself with children, that considers them above all worrisome, a weight, a risk, is a depressed society," the Pope addressed pilgrims in St. Peter's Square last February 11.
 
Most of the speech was directed towards rejuvenating societies with children by ensuring a "virtuous link between generations," built upon the recognition of their value.
 
"We must know how to recognize a child’s worth... In the multiplication of generations there is a mystery enrichment of life for all, which comes from God Himself," he declared.
 
Should people continue to view children as a "problem" or a "burden," he said societies would have "no future."
 
However, he emphasized that children must always take care of their parents, saying children who do not honor their parents in building "a new world" were destined to build a civilization filled with "arid and greedy young."

"Children learn to take charge of their family, they mature in the sharing of sacrifices, and they grow in appreciation of its gifts. The experience of joyful fraternity animates the respect and care of parents, who are due our gratitude," he said.
 
Part of the speech was directed toward Europe, which the Pope referred to last November as a seemingly utilitarian country where the elderly "are abandoned and uncared for, and children who are killed in the womb" while addressing the European Parliament.
 
Online publications such as USA Today and the Independent pointed out that his remarks came a few weeks after Francis declared that Catholics do not need to "breed like rabbits" during his visit to the Philippines.
 
However, during the same visit, the Pope also reiterated the Church's opposition to artificial birth control while engaging couples with dialogue with "experts and pastors" for a "responsible parenthood." — Rie Takumi/VC/LBG, GMA News

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