The most valuable gift for children is not things, but the love of parents, says the Pope.

“Let us remember that the most valuable gift for children is not things, but the love of parents. And I am not just referring to the love of parents for their children, but also to the love of parents for each other, that is, the marital relationship. This does so much good for you and your children too! "Do not neglect the family!" he encouraged.

The Holy Father stressed that “talking to children, listening to them, asking them what they think, this dialogue between parents and children does so much good, it makes children grow in maturity.”

In addition, he reiterated the importance of grandparents in families. “Grandparents have memory, wisdom, not leaving grandparents aside, they are very important.”

“What is discussed in families? We all know it, a marriage that does not argue seems abnormal, the important thing is not to end the day without making peace,” he said.

“And you parents, when your children have argued before going to bed, tell them to make peace, shake hands, give each other a kiss,” he asked.

Francisco encouraged families that if “they have waged war during the day” not to allow “this war to become cold because the cold war of the next day is more dangerous than the hot war. Do you understand? Always make peace at night.”

The Pope then highlighted that the Jubilee of Mercy is lived “also in the domestic church, not only in great events! Rather, the Lord loves those who practice mercy in ordinary circumstances.”

“I want to wish you this: experience the joy of mercy, starting with your family,” he said.
January 26, 2022