The unnamed parents and their child took part in the traditional Baptism Of The Lord mass with 31 others, commemorating the day St John baptised Jesus.

Pope Francis has been critical of priests who refuse to baptise children born out of wedlock, previously labelling such clergy "hypocrites".

In speaking with the parents and those attending the Baptism, the Holy Father encouraged all the parents in their duty as parents.

"The children baptised today, are a link in the chain; in time, they will return to have their own children baptised. This implies a duty on the part of parents, the duty of transmitting the Faith to their children, so that they in turn can pass it along to their children.

"You are the ones that transmit the faith, the transmitters, you have a duty to pass on the faith to these children. It's the most beautiful legacy that you leave to them: the faith," said Pope Francis.

Sources

• Christianity Today
• Daily Mail
• Image: Daily Mail