Pope to UN: Best Way to Protect Rights of Children is to Protect Marriage
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
While addressing members of the Pontifical Council for the Family on Monday, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the UN’s recent discussions of granting “sexual rights” to children by saying that the best way to protect the rights of children is to support the family.
“"The family founded on marriage between a man and a woman is the greatest help that can be given to children," he said. "Supporting the family and promoting its true good, its rights, its unity and stability is the best way to protect the rights and the real needs of children."
He added: “A troubled family environment, the division of the parents and, in particular, separation through divorce are not without consequences for children.”
In the same address, the Pope acknowledged with regret that some Catholic priests had failed to respect the rights of children by abusing them. He vowed that the Church "hasn't, and won't ever, stop deploring and condemning" their misdeeds.
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