Pope Leo XIV has personally baptised twenty babies in a sacred ceremony at the Vatican, upholding a long-standing tradition that signals the conclusion of the Christmas period.
A Sacred Ceremony Beneath Michelangelo's Masterpiece
The baptism took place on Sunday, 11 January 2026, within the awe-inspiring surroundings of the Sistine Chapel. The infants, all children of employees working for the Holy See, received the sacrament directly from the pontiff beneath the chapel's famed frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
In his first baptismal ceremony since becoming pope, Leo XIV spoke powerfully about the importance of faith. He compared it to the basic necessities of life for a child. "When we know something is essential, we immediately seek it for those we love," the Pope said. "Who among us would leave a newborn without clothing or nourishment? If food and clothing are necessary to live, faith is more than necessary, because with God, life finds salvation."
The Details of the Tradition
The ceremony proceeded smoothly, with reports noting it was conducted without tears and with minimal fussing from the young participants. The parents, accompanied by godparents and any siblings, approached a special baptismal font. This font is set within a bronze base artistically designed to represent the Tree of Life.
This celebration aligns with the feast day commemorating Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan. The tradition of holding this particular baptismal service was established in 1981 by the late Pope St. John Paul II. A fresco by Pietro Perugino on the Sistine Chapel's north wall depicts the same biblical event.
Symbolism and Blessings for Families
As part of the ritual, each father was presented with a candle, symbolising the Christian light that guides one's path through life. Pope Leo XIV offered the families a heartfelt blessing for the future.
"I wish you to continue with joy during the year that has just begun and for all of your life," the pontiff told them, "certain that the Lord will always accompany your steps." The event beautifully marries deep theological significance with a pastoral touch, focusing on the welcoming of new members into the faith community at the start of a new year.
