During Mass in the Sistine Chapel Jan. 11 for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV baptized 20 infant children of Vatican employees, continuing a tradition started by Pope Saint John Paul II, according to Vatican News.
In the homily, the Pontiff praised the witness of charity given by the parents present, telling them that God’s “providential love is made manifest on earth through you, mothers and fathers, who ask for faith for your children.”
Families can lean on the grace of this sacrament throughout their journey through life, even when the children have grown up, the Pontiff noted.
“Surely, the day will come when they will be heavy to hold in your arms; and the day will also come when they will be the ones to support you,” he said. “May the Baptism that unites us in the one family of the Church sanctify your families at all times, giving strength and perseverance to the love that binds you together.”
Vatican News published several photos depicting the joy shared by the Pontiff and the parents as they welcomed the newest members of the Body of Christ:
Pope Leo said in the homily that through Baptism, these children “become Christians, our brothers and sisters,” and they are made new.
According to Vatican News, Pope St. John Paul II began the tradition of baptizing Vatican employees’ children on this feast day in 1981.
During the homily, Pope Leo also told those present: “Just as they received life from you, their parents, so now they receive the meaning with which to live it: faith.” He emphasized that faith in God is essential for salvation.
He reflected on Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist “to fulfill all righteousness,” and how the Lord, in taking on a human nature, draws close to all of humanity in a remarkable and unexpected way.
“He is the Holy One among sinners, who desires to dwell among us without keeping distance, indeed, assuming fully all that is human,” Pope Leo said.
The parents also were reminded of God’s loving presence to them as they look toward the years to come. The Pontiff concluded his homily by encouraging the families to carry on living the faith “with joy throughout the year ahead and for all your life, confident that the Lord will always accompany your steps.”