On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV presided over the baptism of 20 children of Vatican employees, celebrating the sacrament within the walls of the Sistine Chapel during a Mass that continued a decades-long papal tradition.
According to Vatican News, the Holy Father reflected in his homily on the mystery of God entering human history not from a place of distance or power, but with humility and closeness. He explained that God comes to meet humanity “with an open and humble heart,” revealing Jesus Christ as the Word of salvation who seeks the gaze of every person.
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The Pope centered his reflection on Christ’s baptism in the Jordan, emphasizing the surprising humility of the Son of God. As reported by Vatican News, Pope Leo noted that Jesus places Himself “in a place we would not imagine,” choosing to stand among sinners despite being holy, fully embracing human life without keeping distance.
In addressing the question of righteousness, the Holy Father explained that humanity is made righteous through Christ, whose baptism becomes a “new sign of death and resurrection, of forgiveness and communion,” according to Vatican News. This same grace, he said, is now given to the children receiving the sacrament.
Pope Leo reminded parents that baptism bestows not only new life, but meaning. “Just as they received life from you, their parents, so now they receive the meaning with which to live it: faith,” he said, as cited by Vatican News. While parents naturally provide food and clothing for their children, the Pope stressed that faith is even more essential, because “with God, life finds salvation.”
The Holy Father also spoke tenderly of the future, acknowledging that while parents now carry their children in their arms, the day will come when the children will, in turn, support them. He encouraged families to draw strength from the unity baptism creates, praying that it would give them perseverance throughout life.
Reflecting on the signs of the sacrament, Pope Leo pointed to the holy water as a symbol of purification in the Spirit, the white garment as the new clothing God gives in Heaven, and the baptismal candle as a light drawn from the Easter candle, representing the risen Christ.
Pope Leo concluded the celebration by praying that the newly baptized children and their families would continue their journey of faith with joy, confident, as Vatican News reported, “that the Lord will always accompany your steps.”
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