A Catholic Nun “Didn’t Know She was Pregnant,” Gives Birth in Italy to Baby Boy

By Alison Lesley --
11 Aug 2015 --

Despite vows of chastity, two Catholic pregnant nuns have given birth since 2014.

In January 2015, a South American nun gave birth to a baby boy in the Bartolomeo Eustachio hospital in San Severino Marche. The nun, who had been with her convent only six months at the time, belonged to the Macerata order of the Le Marche region. She was rushed to the hospital after complaining about severe stomach pains.

The story is of great interest, as the Catholic Church requires its nuns to vow to a life of “poverty, chastity and obedience.”

The nun claimed that she didn’t know she was pregnant. Although surprised, the nun’s convent expressed their willingness to take care of the child.

A Salvadoran nun who said she had no idea she was pregnant gave birth in Italy. #SoundsLikeAnotherChristianStoryIveHeardBefore
— Stubes (@WarrensBaseball) January 30, 2015

The story surrounding how she became pregnant has not been announced.

Similar to this year’s incident, in 2014 a Salvadoran nun named Roxana Rodriguez, in Italy on assignment, surprised the Catholic community when she gave birth to a baby boy. At the time of the birth, the nun claimed she had no idea that she was pregnant and only complained of stomach pain. After she was taken to the Rieti hospital, just north of Rome, doctors figured out that she was actually pregnant and going through labor.

The child was named Francesco after the Pope. After giving birth, she was said to have left the convent and is now taking care of her child. According to her “I am so happy. He is a gift from God. I feel more of a mother than a nun.” Since leaving the convent, the story of her pregnancy and the father of her child have not yet been revealed.

In America, nuns of childbearing age are increasingly difficult to come by. “There are more Catholic sisters in the United States over age 90 than under age 60,” cites a study conducted by Georgetown University.

However, Sisters of Life, founded in 1991, has many members in their 20s and 30s. The group is dedicated to “the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of every human life.” In addition to a nun’s usual three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, the Sisters of Life adhere to a fourth vow, which is “to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life.” They offer assistance to pregnant women and provide comfort and healing to those who have had to endure abortion through special retreats.