While speaking about the importance of a good father within a family at a recent gathering in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis mentioned that it was okay to spank kids, as long as it is done with some dignity, CNN reports. The issue of corporal punishment is a very sensitive topic in most developed countries, which resulted in the pouring in of both criticisms and support for Pope Francis.
“I once heard at a wedding a father say, ‘I sometimes have to hit my children a little but never in the face, so as to not demean them.’ How nice, I thought, he has a sense of dignity,” the Pope stated.
“When he punishes, he does it right and moves on.” He then continues: “A good father knows how to wait and knows how to forgive from the bottom of his heart. Of course he can also discipline with a firm hand: he’s not weak, submissive, sentimental,” he said.
“This father knows how to discipline without demeaning; he knows how to protect without restraint.”