The Sistine Chapel seemed more like a normal parish. Pope Francis baptized 32 children, sons and daughters of Vatican employees.
During the homily, the pope explained why baptizing children soon after birth is important.
POPE FRANCIS
“Baptizing a child is an act of justice. Why? Because in Baptism we give him or her a treasure. In Baptism, we give them a gift: the Holy Spirit.”
Pope Francis tried to make the families feel at home and not overwhelmed by the formal ceremony taking place inside the Sistine Chapel.
POPE FRANCIS
“Don't be afraid. Let the children cry and scream. If your child cries and complains, maybe it's because he's too hot. Take off some of his layers. Or maybe she's hungry. Feed her here, yes, without worrying. It is a beautiful homily. When a child cries in church, it's a beautiful homily.”
There were some surprises during the baptisms. Two families baptized two children, and this little one showed the pope a loving display of affection.
Another less-known scene took place: Georg Gänswein, Prefect of the Papal Household, handed out the small, white, baptismal vestments to the children.
Javier Romero
Translation: Claudia Torres
