X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Pope Francis writes a children's book

3 Feb, 2016

Passing on the Catholic faith is a challenge to parents, and so the responsibility of teaching is sometimes left up to their children’s religion classes, Sunday school, or to hearing Sunday mass to get the message across.

While teaching by example is still the best way to make the lessons stick, it also helps when catholic doctrines are explained in a kid-friendly way, such as through easy-to-understand stories and activities.

The book, Dear Pope Francis, aims to do just that. Kids around the world wrote letters to Pope Francis, and the answers are found in the upcoming book, out in March this year in the United States. The book includes answers to 30 questions from kids all over the world, including the Philippines.

The project started out with 250 letters written in 14 languages to choose from, coming from 26 countries. 50 letters were presented to Pope Francis, along with the children’s artwork. The entries were whittled down to 30 letters to answer.

How did the Pontiff write the book?

In an hour and half, the Holy Father answered each question verbally, in a mix of Italian and Spanish. Father Antonio Spadaro, a Jesuit and the Director of a Roman Catholic journal in Rome called La Civilta Cattolica, served as the liaison between the Pope and the publisher, Loyola Press.

Father Spadaro also served as transcriptionist of Pope Francis’ answers. The Holy Father’s answers weren’t edited or condensed, and went to print and published as they were said by the Pope. The book will be released in both English and Spanish editions.

Before the book’s release, the children who were able to have their letters chosen by Pope Francis will travel to Rome along with their parents to meet the Pope in person. The kids will be coming from a varied list of countries, including the United States, China, Argentina, Kenya, India, Canada, and the Philippines.

Pope Francis writes children book

Question from Alexandra, 10, from the Philippines. Photo courtesy of The Loyola Press

Pope Francis, who is known to have a soft spot for children, was asked by 7-year-old William, who hails from the United States. His question is one of the entries included in the book, and he asked if the Pope could do one miracle, what would be choose to do?

The Holy Father’s response was characteristic of his persona, saying, “I would heal children. I’ve never been able to understand why children suffer. It’s a mystery to me. I don’t have an explanation.” (Perhaps the Supreme Pontiff is foreshadowing his future saintly deeds? Read here on how some parents say that Pope Francis cured their children.)

His answers, both simple and insightful, will offer guidance and clarity to both children and their parents alike. Check out a few pages of the book here. Contact your local bookstore for reservations or inquiries about the book.

READ: 8 Parenting lessons we learned from Pope Francis

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Partner Stories
This Mommy Welfare Month, Absolute Gives Back The Love to Moms #SelfLoveIsBabyLove
This Mommy Welfare Month, Absolute Gives Back The Love to Moms #SelfLoveIsBabyLove
3 Amazing Possible Stories that will leave you smiling, crying, and inspired
3 Amazing Possible Stories that will leave you smiling, crying, and inspired
Motherhood away from home
Motherhood away from home
Bathing is bonding with Cetaphil Baby
Bathing is bonding with Cetaphil Baby

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Maita De Jesus

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • News
  • /
  • Pope Francis writes a children's book
Share:
  • ‘I was meant to have you’: Pregnant Singaporean mum, 29, delays cancer treatment for sake of unborn baby

    ‘I was meant to have you’: Pregnant Singaporean mum, 29, delays cancer treatment for sake of unborn baby

  • Parents file case against hospital for throwing their baby

    Parents file case against hospital for throwing their baby

  • REAL STORIES: My baby was breastfed by someone else at hospital

    REAL STORIES: My baby was breastfed by someone else at hospital

  • ‘I was meant to have you’: Pregnant Singaporean mum, 29, delays cancer treatment for sake of unborn baby

    ‘I was meant to have you’: Pregnant Singaporean mum, 29, delays cancer treatment for sake of unborn baby

  • Parents file case against hospital for throwing their baby

    Parents file case against hospital for throwing their baby

  • REAL STORIES: My baby was breastfed by someone else at hospital

    REAL STORIES: My baby was breastfed by someone else at hospital

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at lifestyle update.