Pope Francis Says It's OK to Spank Kids, If Their Dignity is Kept

Pope Francis says it's okay to spank your children to discipline them - as long as their dignity is maintained.

The Pope made the remarks this week during his weekly general audience, which was devoted to the role of fathers in the family.

Pope Francis outlined the traits of a good father: one who forgives but is able to "correct with firmness" while not discouraging the child.

"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'," Pope Francis said.

"How beautiful!" the Pope remarked. "He knows the sense of dignity! He has to punish them but does it justly and moves on."

The Reverand Thomas Rosica, who collaborates with the Vatican press office, said the Pope was obviously not speaking about committing violence or cruelty against a child but rather about "helping someone to grow and mature".