Pope Francis encouraged women to breastfeed their children during a baptism ceremony at the Sistine Chapel on Sunday.
The Pope, who baptised 28 children, told mothers to “go ahead” and breastfeed in the Vatican City church.
He said: “The ceremony is a little long, someone’s crying because he’s hungry. That’s the way it is.
“You mothers, go ahead and breastfeed, without fear.
"Just like the Virgin Mary nursed Jesus.”
During the ceremony commemorating the baptism of Jesus, the Pope formally welcomed the babies into the Catholic Church.
He has previously voiced his support for breastfeeding, which benefits babies by providing optimal nutrition and boosting their immune system.
However, breastfeeding in public is still discouraged in many countries around the world.
