Pope baptizes 13 infants, urges parents to guide them spiritually

Published: 2008-01-14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Presiding over one of his favorite annual liturgies, Pope Benedict XVI baptized 13 infants and urged their parents to educate them in faith, hope and charity. The newly baptized need material care and attention, but above all they need spiritual guidance as they grow older, he said. "Dear parents, be the first witnesses of an authentic faith in God," he said. The pope celebrated the Mass Jan. 13 at the Sistine Chapel's original main altar, instead of using the free-standing temporary altar as had been customary in recent years. Because the original altar stands against the chapel wall, that meant the pope celebrated parts of the Mass turned away from the people, facing the cross and Michelangelo's fresco of "The Last Judgment." The Vatican's liturgical office, now headed by Msgr. Guido Marini, explained in a note that the change was made to respect the structure of the chapel and not to "alter the beauty and harmony of this architectural jewel."

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