Story highlights Pope Francis baptizes 32 babies in Sistine chapel on Sunday

Pope tells mothers to feed crying babies during the ceremony if they want

19 new cardinals from around the world named Sunday

Pope, elected last March, is known for embracing humble way of life

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."

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.

The pontiff also said three archbishops emeriti, over the age of 80, will join the College of Cardinals.