( CNN ) -- It boasts some of the world 's most celebrated works of art : Michelangelo 's frescoes depicting the creation of man and a severe God at the Last Judgment . But on Sunday , Pope Francis told mothers not to feel intimidated by the splendid surroundings of the Sistine Chapel as he baptized 32 sometimes wailing babies . At the yearly event , Francis , who has become known for the more simple style he has introduced in the Vatican , offered a brief homily centered on the infants . `` Today the choir sings but the most beautiful choir is of children , '' he said . `` Some are crying , because they are uncomfortable , or because they are hungry . If they are hungry , mothers , give them something to eat . ... They are the central figures , the protagonists . '' Formally welcoming the children as members of the Catholic Church , the pontiff poured water from a shell-shaped dish over the heads of the babies , dressed in white satin or silk gowns . In the same chapel last March , he was elected as the first Latin American pope . He has since made headlines for embracing a humble way of life . Also on Sunday , Pope Francis named 19 new cardinals from Africa , Latin America , Asia and elsewhere during his weekly address to worshipers gathered in St. Peter 's Square . Sixteen of the new appointees , who will be instated next month , are under the age of 80 , making them eligible to enter a conclave to elect the Pope 's successor . The pontiff also said three archbishops emeriti , over the age of 80 , will join the College of Cardinals . CNN 's Lindsay Isaac and Hadia Messia contributed to this report .
Pope Francis baptizes his children in the chapel on Sunday . Pope tells mothers to feed crying babies during the day if they want . 19 new countries from around the world named Sunday . Sunday , elected last March , is known for embracing humble way of life .