At yesterday’s General Audience, the Pope was given a very unique gift: two donkey’s named Thea and Noé (Noah).
The animals were a gift from the founder of Eurolactis Italia, Pierluigi Christophe Orunesu, who also donated several gallons of donkey milk both to the Holy Father and the “Bambin Gesu” hospital in Rome.
While some may find that donkey’s milk is an acquired taste, scientists have praised its nutritional benefits, especially for children who are allergic to regular milk. It is also easier to digest and contains nutrients absent in cow’s milk.
According to a statement released by Eurolactis Italia, upon receiving the gifts, the Pope said that he himself would drink donkey’s milk as a child.
The company works close with the European community to help ensure nutrition and healthcare for premature babies. Recent statistics show that 1 out of every 10 children (15 million) are born prematurely; 1 million of whom die upon birth.
Eurolactis has confirmed results that donkey’s milk helps benefit the survival of premature babies.
