BREAKING NEWS

Pope baptizes newborns in Sistine Chapel

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

JANUARY 9, 2011 12:45

ROME — Pope Benedict XVI has baptized 21 newborns in an intimate ceremony in the Sistine Chapel that marks the end of the Christmas season.

Standing under Michelangelo's magnificent "Last Judgment" fresco, the pope poured water Sunday on the foreheads of 13 baby boys and eight baby girls. Some babies screamed, other squirmed, some slept through it.

Benedict prayed for their "life and health so they can grow and mature in the faith."

He said that, in an ever-changing society without firm cultural references, it has become more difficult to educate children in the faith, and urged parishes and parents to cooperate.

The babies are all children of Vatican employees. The annual ceremony is held the first Sunday after the Jan. 6 Epiphany.

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