Francis to Moms: It's Cool, Nurse Babies in Sistine

Pontiff baptizes 33 infants, again tells mothers to feed if they're hungry
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 11, 2015 9:17 AM CST
Francis to Moms: It's Cool, Nurse Babies in Sistine
A seagull flies as Pope Francis delivers his message during the Angelus noon prayer at the Vatican, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015.   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis has baptized 33 babies in the Sistine Chapel as part of an annual tradition, this year repeating an invitation to mothers to nurse their babies if crying out of hunger. Francis pronounced each baby's name and poured water from a golden shell-shaped cup on to their foreheads during the ceremony today, welcoming them into the faith. The event marked the end of the Christmas season. The 13 infant boys and 20 infant girls, including a set of twins, were all children of Vatican employees. During his homily, Francis repeated an invitation extended to mothers on the same occasion last year to feed their children, "also now, if they are crying for hunger, nurse them." The annual ceremony is held the first Sunday after the Jan. 6 Epiphany. (More Pope Francis stories.)

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