The boy was visibly upset during the ceremony, as Father Jacques was pouring water over his head "'The child was screaming a lot and I had to turn his head to pour water over it. I told him to calm down, calm down but he was not calming down. I tried to hold him close. I just wanted him to calm down" Father Jacques explained.
The priest then stares at the boy in the eyes and slaps him hard on the cheek with his left hand.
Father Jacques was remorseful for his actions and has been forced into instant retirement.
Jean-Yves, the Bishop of Meaux, said he had 'taken measures so that the priest is suspended from all baptism and marriage celebrations. Father Jacques would only be allowed to celebrate mass in the future if this was cleared beforehand".
Reference:
Allen, Peter "French Catholic Priest 89 Suspended For Slapping Boy During Baptism", Daily Mail, 22 June 2018.