Chapter II: Of the Subject of Baptism

§ 1. The subject capable of baptism is every and only wayfaring human being, not yet baptized.

§ 2. When there is question of baptism:

1° By the name of little ones or infants, according to the norm of can. 88, Sec. 3, come those who have not yet attained the use of reason; and to these are also counted those insane from infancy, constituted in any age.

2° Adults, moreover, are reckoned those who enjoy the use of reason; and this is sufficient that each person by his own movement of soul may seek baptism and be admitted to it.

§ 1. No one enclosed in the womb of the mother is to be baptized until there is probable hope that, having been duly brought forth, he can be baptized.

§ 2. If the infant has put forth the head and danger of death is imminent, he is to be baptized on the head; nor afterward, if he survives alive, is he to be baptized again under condition.

§ 3. If he has put forth another member, he is to be baptized on it under condition, if danger is imminent; but then, if once born he lives, he is again to be baptized under condition.

§ 4. If a pregnant mother has died, the fetus, extracted by those to whom it pertains, if it certainly lives, is to be baptized absolutely; if doubtfully, under condition.

§ 5. A fetus baptized in the womb must after birth be baptized again under condition.

Care is to be taken that all aborted fetuses, brought forth at whatever time, if they certainly live, are baptized absolutely; if doubtfully, under condition.

Monsters and prodigies are always to be baptized at least under condition; but in doubt whether they are one human being or several, one is to be baptized absolutely, the others under condition.

Exposed and found infants, unless, after the matter has been diligently investigated, their baptism is clear, are to be baptized under condition.

§ 1. The infant of unbelievers, even against the will of the parents, is licitly baptized when he is in such danger of life that it is prudently foreseen that he will die before he attains the use of reason.

§ 2. Outside danger of death, provided that provision has been made for his Catholic education, he is licitly baptized:

1° If the parents or guardians, or at least one of them, consent.

2° If the parents, that is, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, or guardians, are lacking, or have lost the right over him, or can in no way exercise it.

Concerning the baptism of infants of two heretics or schismatics, or of two Catholics who have fallen into apostasy or heresy or schism, generally the norms established in the preceding canon are to be observed.

§ 1. An adult is not to be baptized unless he is knowing and willing and well instructed; moreover, he is to be admonished that he grieve for his sins.

§ 2. But in danger of death, if he cannot be instructed more diligently in the chief mysteries of the faith, it is sufficient, for conferring baptism, that in some way he show that he assents to the same and seriously promise that he will observe the commandments of the Christian religion.

§ 3. But if he cannot even seek baptism, yet either before or in the present state has manifested in some probable way the intention of receiving it, he is to be baptized under condition; if afterward he recovers and doubt concerning the value of the conferred baptism remains, baptism is again to be conferred under condition.

§ 1. It is fitting that both the priest who is about to baptize adults, and the adults themselves who are healthy, be fasting.

§ 2. Unless grave and urgent causes obstruct, a baptized adult is immediately to assist at the Sacrifice of the Mass and receive sacred communion.

§ 1. The insane and the furious are not to be baptized, unless they have been such from birth or before attaining the use of reason; and then they are to be baptized as infants.

§ 2. But if they have lucid intervals, while they are in possession of mind, they are to be baptized if they wish.

§ 3. They are also to be baptized, when danger of death is imminent, if, before they became insane, they showed a desire of receiving baptism.

§ 4. One who suffers from lethargy or frenzy is to be baptized only while awake and willing; but if danger of death threatens, the prescription of Sec. 3 is to be observed.