<p>Pope Francis today described large families as a "gift from God", just days after he said Catholics did not need to "breed like rabbits".<br /><br /></p>.<p>In an apparent attempt to put the controversial comments he made on his way back from a visit to the Philippines into context, the Argentinian argued that the global economic system is the primary cause of poverty, rather than overpopulation.<br /><br />"The meetings with families and young people in Manila were important moments during the visit to the Philippines," Francis told a crowd of around 7,000 gathered in St Peter's square for his weekly audience.<br /><br />"Healthy families are essential to the life of society.<br />"It provides us with consolation and hope to see so many large families who welcome children as a gift from God.<br /><br />"These families know that each child is a blessing."<br />The Argentinian pontiff surprised reporters on the papal plane on Sunday by recounting an anecdote about how he had once asked a mother who had seven children by caesarian section and was pregnant with her eighth if she wanted to "leave behind seven young orphans".<br /><br />"She said, 'I trust in God.' But God gave us the means to be responsible," Francis said. "Some think -- and excuse the term -- that to be good Catholics, they must be like rabbits."<br /><br />Following the church's teachings did not mean "Christians should have children one after the other", he added in comments that made headlines worldwide.<br /><br />Catholic teaching prohibits the use of artificial contraception but allows the use of the so-called rhythm method, where couples avoid unwanted pregnancy by planning sex on days during the woman's menstrual cycle on which she is less likely to conceive.</p>
<p>Pope Francis today described large families as a "gift from God", just days after he said Catholics did not need to "breed like rabbits".<br /><br /></p>.<p>In an apparent attempt to put the controversial comments he made on his way back from a visit to the Philippines into context, the Argentinian argued that the global economic system is the primary cause of poverty, rather than overpopulation.<br /><br />"The meetings with families and young people in Manila were important moments during the visit to the Philippines," Francis told a crowd of around 7,000 gathered in St Peter's square for his weekly audience.<br /><br />"Healthy families are essential to the life of society.<br />"It provides us with consolation and hope to see so many large families who welcome children as a gift from God.<br /><br />"These families know that each child is a blessing."<br />The Argentinian pontiff surprised reporters on the papal plane on Sunday by recounting an anecdote about how he had once asked a mother who had seven children by caesarian section and was pregnant with her eighth if she wanted to "leave behind seven young orphans".<br /><br />"She said, 'I trust in God.' But God gave us the means to be responsible," Francis said. "Some think -- and excuse the term -- that to be good Catholics, they must be like rabbits."<br /><br />Following the church's teachings did not mean "Christians should have children one after the other", he added in comments that made headlines worldwide.<br /><br />Catholic teaching prohibits the use of artificial contraception but allows the use of the so-called rhythm method, where couples avoid unwanted pregnancy by planning sex on days during the woman's menstrual cycle on which she is less likely to conceive.</p>