Pope says contraception ban does not mean breed ‘like rabbits’

Pope says contraception ban does not mean breed ‘like rabbits’

Francis says no outside institution should impose its views on regulating family size

See original/source content: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/pope-says-contraception-ban-does-not-mean-breed-like-rabbits-1.2072312

Pope Francis last night sprang a surprise when he called on Catholics not to “breed like rabbits” but instead practice “responsible parenting”.

Speaking on the plane on the way back to Rome from Manila in the Philippines after a week-long visit, the pope said: “I believe that three children per family, from what the experts say, is the key number for sustaining the population.

“The key word here is responsible parenthood and each person works out how to exercise this with the help of their pastor… Sorry, some people think that in order to be good Catholics we have to breed like rabbits, right?

“Responsible parenthood: this is why there are marriage support groups in the Church with people who are experts on such issues; and there are pastors and I know that there are many acceptable solutions that have helped with this.”

See original/source content: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/pope-says-contraception-ban-does-not-mean-breed-like-rabbits-1.2072312