Pope Francis continued an annual tradition by baptizing 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel, using a shell-shaped container to pour baptismal water over each child's head. The ceremony, which took place near the end of the Christmas season, was marked by tranquility as the infants remained quiet, a contrast to previous years when one crying baby could set off a chorus. The Pope's homily was brief, focusing on the significance of baptism as a "birthday" of Christian life. He encouraged parents to teach their children to celebrate their baptism date annually. Each family received a white candle to symbolize their Christian roots, and the Pope interacted warmly with the babies and their families before departing.
Pope Francis baptized 16 infants in the Sistine Chapel on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, emphasizing the children's role as protagonists in receiving the gift of faith. He encouraged the families and godparents to support the children in their faith journey and handed each father a candle symbolizing the Christian light. The ceremony concluded with the parents and godparents receiving a rosary and exchanging words with the Pope, who blessed each child individually.
WWE icon Hulk Hogan, 70, announced on social media that he has been baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida. Hogan expressed his "total surrender and dedication to Jesus" and described it as the greatest day of his life. The ceremony included Hogan and his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, submerging themselves in a pool of water. Hogan, known for his signature bandana and gold cross necklace, shared a slideshow of the event on social media. The couple got married in September after dating for about a year.
WWE icon Hulk Hogan and his wife, Sky Daily, were baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida. Hogan shared a video of the ceremony on Instagram, expressing his surrender and dedication to Jesus. The couple had a small wedding at the same church earlier this year, with only their children in attendance. Hogan's daughter, Brooke, chose not to attend the wedding, citing the need for distance and focusing on her own healing and happiness.
American wrestler Hulk Hogan announced on Instagram that he and his wife were baptized in a special ceremony at the Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida, calling it the "greatest day" of his life. Hogan, who has spoken publicly about his Christian beliefs in the past, shared footage of the baptism, expressing his surrender and dedication to Jesus. The church also praised the event on their Instagram account, stating that "God is doing amazing things at Indian Rocks."
WWE legend Hulk Hogan, 70, revealed that he and his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, were baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida. Hogan shared photos and videos of the ceremony on Instagram, expressing his "total surrender and dedication to Jesus." This comes after Hogan previously spoke about his faith on social media. The couple wore white for the baptism, and Hogan assisted in his wife's ceremony. Hogan, who has been married three times, described his current wife as the reason for his happiness.
The father of 8-month-old Indi Gregory, who was forced off life support by the UK courts, revealed that he baptized his daughter before her death, inspired by Christian legal volunteers who fought to keep her alive. He described the courtroom experience as hellish and believed that the devil was present. Despite not being religious himself, he sought baptism for his daughter as a way to protect her and open the door to heaven. The UK government refused offers from Italy and the Vatican to transfer Indi to a Catholic pediatric hospital. Pope Francis expressed his prayers for the Gregory family, and the father expressed anger and heartbreak over the loss of his daughter.
The Vatican has announced that transgender people can be baptized and become godparents, as well as serve as witnesses to church weddings, under certain conditions. The statement allows for transgender individuals, including those who have undergone hormone replacement therapy or sex reassignment surgery, to be baptized "under the same conditions as other believers," as long as there is no risk of generating a public scandal or disorientation among the faithful. The document also permits transgender "children and adolescents" to be baptized and states that there is no reason why transgender people cannot serve as witnesses at weddings. However, the document lacks clarity on what constitutes a public scandal and leaves the decision of transgender individuals serving as godparents up to "pastoral prudence."
The Vatican has released a document stating that, under certain circumstances, transgender individuals can be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents. This announcement contrasts with the rejection of gender transition by the national conference of Catholic bishops in the United States. The document, signed by Pope Francis and Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, acknowledges the need for trans inclusion and represents a potential reversal of previous restrictions on transgender individuals. While the Catholic Church maintains its doctrines against same-sex marriage and sexual activity, this move reflects Pope Francis' efforts to make the Church more welcoming to LGBTQ individuals.
The Vatican's doctrinal office has stated that transgender individuals can be baptized in the Catholic Church and serve as godparents, under certain conditions. The decision, approved by Pope Francis, is seen as a significant step towards trans inclusion. However, the document also emphasized the need to avoid generating public scandal or confusion among the faithful. The pronouncement is seen as a departure from previous restrictions and reflects Pope Francis' efforts to make the Church more welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals. While the document was vague on certain issues, such as same-sex couples baptizing adopted children, it was warmly welcomed by advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in the Church.
The Vatican has announced that transgender individuals can be baptized as Catholics and can serve as godparents, reflecting the Catholic Church's increasing openness to LGBTQ individuals under Pope Francis. The statement also includes the allowance for the baptism of children from gay couples, including those who are adopted or born through surrogacy, and permits such couples to serve as godparents.
The Vatican's doctrine office has stated that transgender-identifying individuals can be baptized under the same conditions as any adult, as long as it does not cause scandal or confusion. Children or adolescents experiencing transgender identity issues may also receive baptism if well prepared and willing. The Vatican also addressed questions regarding transgender-identifying people and those in same-sex relationships being godparents or witnesses to marriages, as well as the baptism of children born to same-sex couples. The document emphasizes the importance of pastoral care and the Church's unconditional love, while also considering the proper transmission of the Catholic faith.
Tattoo artist Kat Von D has opened up about her decision to abandon witchcraft and embrace Christianity after facing backlash for her baptism video. Raised in a missionary Christian household, Kat strayed from her faith in her 20s and explored new age practices. However, she re-evaluated her perspectives and turned to Christianity, watching sermons and studying the Bible. She discarded her occult books and proclaimed her commitment to Jesus. Despite facing criticism, Kat is "on fire for Jesus" and attends church regularly. She got baptized in October and shared a video of the ceremony, which received backlash from some. Nonetheless, Kat believes it was an important step for her and wants to be open and honest about her faith.
Tattoo artist Kat Von D responds to backlash over her recent baptism, revealing that the criticism came mostly from Christians. She expressed disappointment in the judgmental behavior, stating that it is not Christ-like to judge others. Kat also addressed accusations of faking the baptism and clarified that her decision was not a PR stunt. She emphasized that people should not judge others based on appearance or personal choices. Despite the negativity, she received an overwhelming amount of positivity and love. Kat also promoted her upcoming single and discussed her previous decision to renounce witchcraft and the occult.
