At 9.30 this morning, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Holy Father Francis presided over Holy Mass in the Sistine Chapel, during which he administered the Sacrament of Baptism to several babies.

The following are the Pope’s impromptu words, pronounced during the course of the celebration of Holy Mass:

At the beginning of the celebration:

It is important that the babies feel good. If they are hungry, nurse them, so that they do not cry. If they are too warm, change them… Let them feel at ease, because today they are in charge, and we must serve them with the Sacrament, with prayers. Now we will begin this ceremony together. Today, each one of you, parents, and the Church herself give the greatest, greatest gift to the children: the gift of faith. Let us continue, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

In place of the homily:

Let us continue this ceremony of the Baptism of your children. Let us ask the Lord that they grow in faith a true humanity, in the joy of the family. And now let us continue.