Holy Father Pope Francis while addressing the faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square for the General Audience, focused his catechism on the intrinsic link between Easter and the Sacrament of Baptism. His Holiness Pope Francis urged parents to baptize their children soon after birth, thus giving them the opportunity – and the free gift – of having Jesus Christ live inside them from the beginning.

As reported by Vatican Radio, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “The baptismal font illuminates all of our lives, guiding our steps toward the Jerusalem in Heaven. Don’t put off baptizing your children with the excuse that he or she is unable to understand, this attitude indicates that you do not trust in the Holy Spirit. Baptism is the foundation of Christian life, a moment which marks a profound change in one’s existence.” Further, His Holiness added, “In Jesus, all sons of Adam are called to a new life and immersing us in Christ, baptism also makes us members of his body, which is the Church, and participants in its mission in the world.”

His Holiness Pope Francis concluded his catechesis by reminding that “The baptismal promises that we renew every year in the Easter Vigil have to be reaffirmed every day, so that baptism ‘Christifies’ whoever has received it, rendering us truly another Christ.”