Vatican City, Nov 2, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Following his weekly catechesis yesterday, Pope Benedict greeted representatives from the Italian National Association of Large Families, to whom, he stressed the importance of children for society’s future, and praised them for their courage and faith.
"Your presence," he told the representatives, "gives me the opportunity to recall the central importance of the family, fundamental cell of society and principal place for welcoming and serving life.”
“In the modern social context,” he said, “families with many children represent a testimony of faith, courage and optimism, because without children there is no future.”
“It is my hope”, the Holy Father stressed, “that further social and legislative initiatives be promoted to protect and support the largest families, which constitute a source of wealth and hope for the entire country."