Pope Francis Baptizes 21 Babies in the Sistine Chapel on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - FULL TEXT Homily + Video

Pope Francis baptises 21 babies in the Sistine Chapel on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

This tradition dates back to Pope St. John Paul II in 1981; At the beginning of the Mass, the Pope greeted the families At the beginning of the celebration:

Edoardo, Mia Maria, Silvia, Lorenzo, and 17 other children “are in charge,” Pope Francis explained, "and we must serve them, with the Sacrament, with prayers."

Short Homily of Pope Francis: It is important that the children feel well. If they are hungry, breastfeed them, that they do not cry. If they are too hot, change them… But that they feel comfortable, because today they are in charge and we must serve them with the Sacrament, with prayers. Now let us begin this ceremony all together. Today, each of you, parents, and the Church herself give the greatest, greatest gift: the gift of faith to children. Let us move forward, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Let us continue this ceremony of the Baptism of your children. Let us ask the Lord that they grow in faith, a true humanity, in the joy of the family. And now let us continue.

Each father of the newly baptized lit their own candle from the Paschal candle. He reminded the parents, godparents, and all family members present that today is a special day, not only for the children but for them as well. 

During the Mass, the Pope reflected on one of five main symbols of Baptism: the Paschal candle. He encouraged the parents and godparents to carry the light of the candle with them throughout their lives.

Pope Francis challenged the parents and godparents to use candles in their everyday lives. “When there is a problem or difficulty, light the candle to ask the Lord for grace for your family,” the Pope encouraged them.

The tradition of a pontiff baptizing children dates back to 1981. Then, Pope St. John Paul II began by baptizing children in the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, a ceremony that was reserved only for the children of Swiss Guards.

Two years later, in 1983, the Mass was moved to the Sistine Chapel and eventually extended to children of all Vatican employees.

Sources: Vatican News and Vatican Bulletin