Pope Francis has responded to a heartfelt letter from a grandmother, Oliva, who expressed her distress that her five-year-old granddaughter had not been baptized due to her parents’ decision to distance themselves from the Lord. In his response, the Holy Father acknowledged the grandmother’s suffering and offered comfort and advice.
Pope Francis emphasized that baptism is a precious gift that allows Christ and the Holy Spirit to dwell within a person. However, he also stressed that baptism cannot be imposed on parents who do not want it for their children. Instead, he encouraged grandparents like Oliva to lead by example, demonstrating selfless love and prayer, which can be more persuasive than words.
The Pope shared his own experiences of baptizing children and emphasized the importance of trusting in the Lord and the Holy Spirit. He also cautioned against insisting on baptism, instead advising grandparents to accompany their children and grandchildren with love and prayer. Pope Francis concluded by encouraging Oliva to remain courageous and to continue praying, assuring her that God’s love will sow a future of friendship and faith.