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Pope Francis baptised 32 newborn babies in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday.
Baptism is the sacrament at which infants or converts are initiated into the Christian faith. Francis poured water on the foreheads of the infants as part of the ritual.
Unlike his predecessors, who usually delivered long and theology laden homilies at the yearly event, the pope offered a brief, improvised homily of some 300 words centred on the children.
Pope Francis told the parents that their children were part of a chain of faith.
"You are transmitters of faith. You have the duty to transmit the faith to these children. This is the most beautiful thing you will pass on to them - faith. Take this thought home with you," said the Pope.
Sunday's service was the latest example of the more simple style Francis has introduced in the Vatican.
