Teaching Your Children About Pope Francis

I was closing in on my 11th birthday when Pope Paul VI died. The subsequent election and death of Pope John Paul I followed by the election of the young, dynamic non-Italian Pope John Paul II fascinated me.  I scoured newspapers and magazines (the internet of the day) for articles about the Popes – and meticulously scrapbooked all my findings. These mysterious men in white mesmerized me and the Lord would eventually use my childhood devotion to the Holy Father to call me back to my faith after I wandered from it. If your child is interested in learning about Pope Francis and the Papacy in general, here are a few resources to satisfy their curiosity.  BooksFrancis, the Pope for Kids is a great resource for kids ages 9-11. It is chock full of great Pope Francis facts, is cleverly illustrated and provides a glossary to explain the more complicated faith-based words.  Praying with My Fingers: An Easy Way to Talk with God is an adorable rhyming book for that the youngest of children will enjoy as a read-aloud and is based on the Five Finger Prayer that Pope Francis is said to pray frequently.  This book would make a very special faith-filled gift for a baby shower or Baptism! Lessons from Pope Francis for Childrenprovides catechesis for kids on different areas of the faith – with each “lesson” interspersed with quotes from Pope Francis.  Beautifully illustrated, this book would be a great read-aloud for younger children or a read-alone for older ones. PrayersPope Francis is associated with two prayers in particular – the Five-Finger Prayer and the devotion to Mary, Undoer of Knots. The Five Finger Prayer is a simple prayer of petition and intercession that can be said anywhere, Catholic Online for a detailed description of how to pray the Five Finger Prayer.  anytime by