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Pope on Down Syndrome Day: Every child is a gift to whole family

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Kathleen N. Hattrup - published on 03/21/21
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Every child changes a family’s history, says pope in tweet.

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Through his twitter account (@pontifex), Pope Francis has noted the gift that a child with Down syndrome, and every child, is to his or her family. World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21; the date is a reference to how the syndrome is caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.

The pope’s tweet notes how a new life is connected not just to the woman who carries the child within her, but to all the members of the family – grandparents and siblings, particularly.

This year, the Vatican officially recognized the heroic virtues of Jérôme Lejeune (1926-1994). He now will be referred to as Venerable Jérôme Lejeune. He was the Catholic physician and geneticist who was responsible for scientifically explaining Down Syndrome.


Jerome Lejeune
Read more:
Jerome Lejeune, remembered by one of his students


dear future mom
Read more:
15 Children with Down syndrome send a message of hope 

Enjoy this slideshow of tender encounters showing the special love Pope Francis has for people with Down syndrome.

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