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Breastfeeding In The Sistine Chapel Approved By Pope Francis

The Pope affirmed his support of breastfeeding in public during a baptism service this weekend

A mum in Claridge’s Hotel was asked to cover up while breastfeeding her baby and women all over the UK have complained of being on the receiving end of abuse while feeding their little one in public.

But the Pope has made headlines for practically urging mothers to breastfeed in the Sistine Chapel, of all places.

The Pope has publically OK'd breastfeeding in the Sistene Chapel [Rex]
The Pope has publically OK'd breastfeeding in the Sistene Chapel [Rex]



During a baptism service on Sunday, Pope Francis told mums attending the Sistine Chapel service that they were welcome to breastfeed their babies if they needed it.

“You mothers give your children milk and even now, if they cry because they are hungry, breastfeed them, don’t worry,” the Pope said.

Reportedly, the Pope’s speech used the phrase “give them milk”, but he tweaked it to say “breastfeed them” instead.

The Pope continued his breastfeeding support by asking his congregation to remember mums who are unable to feed their baby. “Too many, unfortunately, who can’t give food to their children,” he said.

During the service, which baptised 20 girls and 13 boys, at least one mum was spotted breastfeeding her baby before the Pope had even OK’d it.

HRH Princess Michael Of Kent said breastfeeding was a dreadful practice [Rex]
HRH Princess Michael Of Kent said breastfeeding was a dreadful practice [Rex]



Pope Francis has stated his support for breastfeeding in public previously. During an interview with La Stampa in December 2013, he said, “There was a young mother behind one of the barriers with a baby that was just a few months old. The child was crying its eyes out as I came past.

“I said to her: Madam, I think the child’s hungry. ‘Yes, it’s probably time…’ she replied. “Please give it something to eat!” I said. She was shy and didn’t want to breastfeed in public, while the Pope was passing.”

While the Pope is all for public breastfeeding, there are still those who aren’t, including Nigel Farage. The UKiP leader backed Claridge’s hotel, after asking a mother to cover up, saying that breastfeeding mums should “sit in the corner.”


[Mum Reveals “I Still Breastfeed My Six-Year-Old Child”]

[Breastfeeding A ‘Dreadful Practice’, Says Princess Michael Of Kent]

Where do you stand on breastfeeding in public? Let us know in the comments.