Pope Baptises 20 Children, Highlighting Faith as the Meaning of Life

Vatican City, January 12, 2026: Continuing a tradition begun in 1981 by Pope John Paul II, Pope Leo XIV baptised 20 children of Vatican employees during a Mass in the Sistine Chapel on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Marking the continuation of a 45-year-old custom, the Pope administered the Sacrament of Baptism during the liturgical celebration, following the example set by his predecessors.

A sign of forgiveness and new life

In his homily, Pope Leo reflected on God’s decision to enter human history by coming down to earth to meet each person with humility and openness. God, he said, seeks to meet humanity’s gaze and reveal the Word of salvation—Jesus Christ.

By taking on human flesh, the Pope explained, the Son of God offers humanity an unexpected and transformative possibility, inaugurating a new era that even the prophets had not foreseen. John the Baptist immediately recognises this, asking: “I need to be baptised by you, and you come to me?”

Through this act, Jesus places Himself where no one would expect: the Holy One among sinners. He chooses to dwell among humanity without distance, fully embracing what it means to be human.

Jesus, the Pope recalled, explained that He sought baptism from John in order to “fulfil all righteousness”. Pope Leo then reflected on the meaning of righteousness, stating that people are made righteous through Christ, who is baptised in the Jordan and inaugurates a new sign of death and resurrection, forgiveness and communion.

“With God, life finds salvation”

The Pope noted that this same sign was bestowed upon the 20 children baptised that day. Through Baptism, he said, God shows His love for them, making them Christians and welcoming them as brothers and sisters in the faith. In this sacrament, the children are made new.

“Just as they received life from you, their parents, so now they receive the meaning with which to live it: faith,” Pope Leo said. He underlined that when something is essential, people naturally want to give it to those they love, such as food and clothing for their children.

Yet faith, he stressed, is even more vital than food or clothing. “For with God, life finds salvation,” the Pope said, adding that God’s love for His children becomes visible and tangible through parents who ask for faith on their behalf.

Looking to the future, Pope Leo reminded families that a day will come when their children will no longer be light enough to hold, and another day when those same children will support them. He encouraged families, praying that the Baptism which unites them will grant strength and perseverance throughout life.

The Pope also reflected on the sacramental signs of Baptism. Holy water signifies cleansing in the Spirit and purification from sin; the white garment represents the new life God prepares in heaven; and the lit candle, taken from the Easter candle, symbolises the light of the risen Lord.

Concluding his homily, Pope Leo prayed that the newly baptised children and their families would continue their journey with joy in the year ahead and throughout their lives, confident that the Lord will always accompany their steps.

Courtesy: Vatican News