separateurCreated with Sketch.

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

whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Kathleen N. Hattrup - published on 03/21/21
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative

Every child changes a family’s history, says pope in tweet.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.

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

banner image
Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!