Pope Leo XIV baptized 20 infants, the children of Vatican employees, during Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.<\/p>\n
In his homily, the pope urged parents to see faith as essential for their children\u2019s lives, comparing it to the basic care no newborn can do without.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we know that something good is essential, we immediately seek it for those we love,\u201d he said. \u201cWho among us, in fact, would leave newborns without clothes or without nourishment, waiting for them to choose when they are grown how to dress and what to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDear friends, if food and clothing are necessary to live, faith is more than necessary, because with God life finds salvation,\u201d the pope said.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo continues the tradition begun in 1981 by Pope St. John Paul II to baptize children on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord with the baptism of 20 children of Vatican employees in the Sistine Chapel. The Pope encouraged the families, praying that the Baptism that unites\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/h5wLaONDIa<\/p>\n
Baptism as God\u2019s closeness<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the Gospel account of Jesus\u2019 baptism, Leo said the Lord chooses to be found where people least expect him \u2014 \u201cthe Holy One among sinners\u201d \u2014 drawing near without keeping distance. He pointed to Jesus\u2019 reply to John the Baptist: \u201cLet it be so now, for it is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness,\u201d explaining that God\u2019s \u201crighteousness\u201d is his saving action, by which the Father makes humanity righteous through Christ.<\/p>\n
The pope described Jesus\u2019 baptism in the Jordan as a sign renewed with deeper meaning \u2014 \u201cdeath and resurrection, forgiveness and communion\u201d \u2014 and said the sacrament celebrated for the infants is rooted in God\u2019s love.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe children you now hold in your arms are transformed into new creatures,\u201d Leo told parents. \u201cJust as from you, their parents, they have received life, so now they receive the meaning for living it: faith.\u201d<\/p>\n
A word to mothers and fathers<\/p>\n
Leo emphasized the role of parents as the first witnesses and educators of faith, saying God\u2019s provident love becomes visible on earth through mothers and fathers who ask for faith for their children.<\/p>\n
He also noted the changing seasons of family life: \u201cCertainly, the day will come when they will become heavy to hold in your arms; and the day will also come when they will be the ones to support you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope prayed that the sacrament would strengthen families in lasting love: \u201cMay baptism, which unites us in the one family of the Church, sanctify all your families at all times, giving strength and constancy to the affection that unites you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning to the rites themselves, Leo explained the meaning of baptism\u2019s symbols: \u201cThe water of the font is the washing in the Spirit, which purifies from every sin; the white garment is the new robe that God the Father gives us for the eternal feast of his Kingdom; the candle lit from the paschal candle is the light of the risen Christ, which illumines our path.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish you to continue it with joy throughout the year that has just begun and for your whole life, certain that the Lord will always accompany your steps,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The baptism of children of Vatican employees is a tradition begun in 1981 by St. John Paul II. The first ceremonies were held in the Pauline Chapel, and since 1983 the annual celebration has taken place in the Sistine Chapel.<\/p>\n
This story was\u00a0first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.<\/p>\n