In unusual remarks, Pope Francis lambasted Catholics with large families, instead encouragingÂ approved natural family planning methods.

Calling it “unusually frank language,” Reuters reports Pope Francis said just because the Church has a ban on contraception, Â Catholics should not feel obligated toÂ breed “like rabbits.”Â

“Some think, excuse me if I use the word, that in order to be good Catholics, we have to be like rabbits – but no,” the 78-year old Argentinian pontiff said. The Pope advocated for “responsible parenthood” parenthood.

He mentioned a woman he recently met who already had seven children by caesarean sections and put her life at risk by becoming pregnant again. He said he chided her for “tempting God” and added: “That was an irresponsibility.”

The Pope suggested couples have three children.

@holysmoke my friends with 6 or more children are thrilled about the newest phrase they’ll be hearing the rest of their lives. â€” Michael B Dougherty (@michaelbd) January 19, 2015

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