Pope Francis salutes courage of single mom during virtual forum
September 3, 2015 3:54pm
Pope Francis lauded the courage shown by a single mother in the United States, telling her not to be ashamed of having to raise her children by herself.

In a virtual forum arranged by ABC News on Monday (US time), the Pope told Rosemary Farfan—a solo parent in Los Angeles, California, with her two girls—that she should hold her head high because of her decision to raise her children.

"You're a brave woman because you're capable of bringing these two daughters into the world," the Pope said, as translated by Vatican radio. "You respected the life you were carrying inside you and God is going to reward you for that and he does reward you for that."

He added: "Do not be ashamed ... I congratulate you."

In its translation, ABC News quoted the Pope as saying, "You are a courageous woman because you brought your daughters into the world. You could have killed them in your womb, but you respected life."



Pope Francis met via video link-up with three sets of audiences in Chicago, Los Angeles, and McAllen in Texas, before his anticipated visit to the US later this month.

Here he heard stories and questions from several participants, including Farfan, who has just moved her children from the shelter and into their first apartment.

"I've made mistakes as a person, as a mother ... I felt guilty at times and ashamed," she said.

Also, she said: "It's hard for me to hear my daughter tell me these things -- that she wishes it was different. That we are a family, mom and dad, and we had a house to stay [in]..."

Farfan and her daughters were brought to tears by their virtual encounter. The single mother said the Pope's words brought "some healing in my heart."

The exchange happened before Pope Francis allowed all priests to formally forgive women who have had abortions during the extraordinary Holy Year or "Jubilee" on the theme of mercy.

In a letter published by the Vatican on Tuesday, the Pope said all priests will be able to forgive these women if they repent "with a contrite heart."

The Pope wrote that while some go through this "with a superficial awareness," many others "believe they have no other option," and called it an "existential and moral ordeal."

"I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision.... I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision," he said.

The Holy Year is set from December 8 2015 to November 26, 2016. Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/LBG, GMA News

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