Sir, – Contrary to media reports, Pope Francis did not recommend a maximum of three children.
He simply referred to experts quoting this figure, which, incidentally is the minimum required for replacement of the population.
Overpopulation is not a problem worldwide when, in fact, most countries in Europe are not even replacing their populations.
Developing countries would not have this problem either if sufficient support were given to them to develop their economies, often stifled by our protection of our economy.
I find it very hard to understand the lack of promotion for natural family planning. After all we are in an age when health and a healthy lifestyle are to the fore. Yet women are willing to put their health at risk by taking the Pill, etc. Every pill has a side-effect and, it should be pointed out, it also contributes to the coffers of the vast pharmaceutical companies. After Humanae Vitae, scientists were encouraged to update methods of natural family planning, especially by Pope Paul VI. This has resulted in this method, especially Na Pro, being as effective as artificial methods and without the endangerment of women's health.
This is an age of choice, as we are constantly reminded. Why not chose the healthy way of planning a family over that of commercial profit and at far less expense? Na Pro has also benefitted very many couples who have fertility problems. A win-win situation all round! – Yours, etc,
MARY STEWART,
Ardeskin,
Donegal.
Sir, – Pope Francis has proven remarkably adept at hewing to an entirely orthodox line as regards faith and morals yet has journalists eating out of his hand with a few of his impromptu remarks that, parse them how you will, do not amount to a repudiation of Catholic teaching. I think he may understand that journalists, like eager puppies, yearn for a bit of harmless attention. – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA O’RIORDAN,
Dublin 8.