During today’s General Audience, Pope Francis said children are never a mistake and called them “the greatest blessing which God has bestowed on man and woman.”

Vatican Radio is reporting on the address in which Pope Francis focused on the suffering endured by children all over the world.

“From the first moments of their lives, some are rejected, abandoned, and robbed of their infancy and future. There are those who say it is a mistake to bring these children into the world, due to their fragility, and the hunger and poverty they suffer. But children are never a mistake, and their sufferings are only reasons for us to love them even more,” he said.

“Every child who begs on the streets, who is denied an education or medical care, is a cry to God. Too often, these children become prey to criminals, who exploit them for commerce or violence.”

Even in wealthy countries, children suffer due to family crises and living conditions which are at times inhumane. In every case, he said, their childhood is violated in body and soul.

He went on to praise parents who take Jesus at His word: “Let the children come to me… for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:14).

“How beautiful the trust of these parents, and the response of Jesus! And there are many extraordinary parents who daily make sacrifices for their children.”

He went on to say that the Church offers her maternal care to all children and their families and brings them the blessing of Jesus.

“May we always care for our children, not counting the cost, so that they may never believe themselves to be mistakes, but always know their infinite worth.”

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