2014 started off with the Baptism of 32 babies in the Sistine Chapel. It's part of a Vatican tradition, but it marked the first time Pope Francis, held such celebration. He highlighted that passing on the faith to one's children is not only a gift, but a responsibility.
POPE FRANCIS
'You are transmitters of faith. You have the responsibility of passing on the faith to your children.â?
The Pope also blessed 174 families from the Neocatechumenal Way who decided to leave everything behind and become missionaries in Asia or Africa.
The tension and violence in Ukraine was raising and the Pope time and time again, called for peace.
POPE FRANCIS
'I'm united in prayer with Ukraine, in particular for those who have lost their lives during the violence of the past days, and for their families.â?
This same month, a report confirmed that between 2011 and 2012, about 400 priests were defrocked or removed from the priesthood for cases of sexual abuse. It happened under the orders of then Pope, Benedict XVI.
The Pope Emeritus got to celebrate his brother's 90th birthday in the Vatican. There musicians performed for Georg Ratzinger in an exclusive celebration. It marked one of the few occasions when Benedict XVI was seen publicly.
LAUREN GREEN
Reporter and Pianist
'One of the things I noticed about him was that he seemed less frail, that before he resigned. It's almost as if weight of the Catholic Church was finally off his shoulders, although he constantly prays for the Church.â?
Modern art, like this, also came to light in the month of January. Residents who live just steps away from the Vatican, woke up to this drawing of a 'super hero' along one of the main streets of the neighborhood. The Super Pope, was made overnight by a local artist. The image quickly made its way around the globe.
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