Pope Francis Baptizes 32 Babies and Children saying "Baptizing a child is an act of justice for him...Because in Baptism we give him a treasure." in Full Text + Video

Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the rite of the Baptism of Children, 12.01.2020


At 9.30 this morning, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Holy Father Francis presided over the Holy Mass in the Sistine Chapel during which he administered the Sacrament of Baptism to 32 infants, 17 boys and 15 girls.

Below is the transcription of the homily that the Pope pronounced by the arm after reading the Holy Gospel:

Homily of the Holy Father

Like Jesus who went to be baptized, so you bring your children.

Jesus replies to John: "All justice be done" (cf Mt 3:15). Baptizing a child is an act of justice for him. And why? Because in Baptism we give him a treasure, in Baptism we give him a pledge: the Holy Spirit. The child comes out [from Baptism] with the power of the Spirit inside: the Spirit who will defend him, will help him, throughout his life. This is why it is so important to baptize them as children, because they grow with the power of the Holy Spirit.

This is the message that I would like to give you today. You bring your children today, [because they have] the Holy Spirit inside. And take care that they grow with light, with the power of the Holy Spirit, through catechesis, help, teaching, the examples that you will give at home ... This is the message.

I would not like to tell you anything else. Just a warning. Children are not used to coming to the Sistine, it is the first time! They are not used to being closed in an environment even a little warm. And they are not used to being dressed like this, for a party as beautiful as today. They will feel a little uncomfortable at some point. And one will begin [to cry] ... - the concert hasn't started yet! - but one will begin, then the other ... Do not be afraid, let the children cry and cry. But rather, if your baby is crying and complaining, maybe it's because it's too hot: take something away; or because he is hungry: breastfeed him, here, yes, always in peace. One thing that I also said last year: they have a "choral" dimension: it is enough for one to give the "a" and they all begin, and the concert will take place. Don't be frightened. It is a beautiful sermon when a child cries in church, it is a beautiful sermon. Make it feel good and let's move on.

Don't forget: you bring the Holy Spirit into children.