Shock in Romania following the death of a baby in a …

The The death of a six-week-old baby in Romania after the christening ceremony has greatly moved society, which is now mobilizing for the Orthodox Church to modify this ritual considered dangerous.

“The death of a newborn baby as a result of this practice is a great tragedy. This risk must be avoided so that the joy of baptism triumphs “, wrote the initiators of an online petition, which has already added this Thursday more than 56,000 signatures.

The baby died in hospital on Monday, shortly after being baptized at a church in Suceava, northeast Romania. Following the Orthodox ritual, the boy was immersed three times in holy water while he cried a lot.

The baby has suffered a cardiac arrest, He was rushed to hospital but died a few hours later.

The autopsy revealed the presence of a “Liquid” in his lungs and the prosecution opened an investigation for “homicide” against the priest who performed the baptism.

Facing criticism, Orthodox Church spokesman Vasile Banescu said priests could simply pour water on the baby’s forehead to prevent such tragedies.

But Archbishop Theodosia, head of the hard wing within the Church, He said this “ritual will not change”. “We will not be intimidated,” he added.