Celebrated footballer Ronaldo gets baptised

Ronaldo at his baptism. (Photo: Instagram/Ronaldo)

Football legend Ronaldo is celebrating a new spiritual milestone after being baptised.

The 47-year-old was baptised last week at a Catholic church in São Paulo, in his native Brazil. 

He wrote about the moment on his Instagram and said it was a "very special day".

He shared some photos of himself in the beautiful church of São José and smiling next to two guests who appeared to be the godparents he referenced in his caption. 

Ronaldo reflected on what the ceremony meant to him in a caption that was written in Portuguese.

"The Christian faith has always been a fundamental part of my life, since childhood, even though I had not yet been baptised," he said.

"With the sacrament, I feel truly regenerated as a child of God — in a new, more conscious, deeper way. I renew my commitment to follow the path of good, of my own free will, believing in the love of Jesus, in supportive love."

Last year, Ronaldo completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The popular pilgrimage route is 280 miles long and goes all the way to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. 

Spain is where Ronaldo spent many years as a professional footballer, first with Barcelona and then with Real Madrid. He retired in 2011.

News
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce

In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.

Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth
Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth

It follows an earlier open letter addressed to King Charles, calling upon him to defend Christianity in line with his titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and "Defender of the Faith".

Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice
Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice

Churches can breach the code even when acting in good faith.

Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds
Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds

Fifteen per cent of UK employees with a faith say they have experienced religious discrimination in the workplace.