Why do Christians require a godparent for Baptism? Is it in case the parents die and the child needs a new home?

Answer:

Men and women take on the role of godparents at a Baptism. It is a commitment to ensure and to deepen the Christian upbringing of a child, together with the parents or guardians until the young person can declare their own faith. In the case of adult baptism, another aspect is more important: the godparents represent the community of the Church, which has the task to encourage and to challenge the recipient of the sacrament in their own faith journey.

The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” says this about the role of godparents:

“1255 For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.” See: www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3K.HTM