Pope Francis: Corporal punishment is OK if children have 'dignity'

Pope Francis attends a prayer service
(Image credit: Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Pope Francis made some unusual remarks about corporal punishment this week. During his weekly general audience, which was devoted to the role of fatherhood, Francis said that parents must be firm with their children while still respecting them.

"One time, I heard a father in a meeting with married couples say, 'I sometimes have to smack my children a bit, but never in the face so as to not humiliate them'," Francis said, adding that the man's remark was "beautiful."

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.