Pope Francis Baptizes 21 Babies in Sistine Chapel

Pope Francis baptized 21 infants in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday, continuing an annual tradition marking the end of the Christmas season at the Vatican. Under Michelangelo's iconic frescoes, the ceremony celebrated the children as central figures. Emphasizing their comfort, the Pope reminded parents, "If they are hungry, feed them so they don't cry. If they feel hot, change them."

These baptisms, conducted personally by the Pontiff, involved the offspring of Vatican employees serving at the Holy See. This ritual aligns with the feast day commemorating Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan, initiated in 1981 by St. John Paul II. Francis provided each father with a candle symbolizing the Christian light, urging families to ignite it during challenging times to seek divine guidance. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)