Special Papal Blessing to Be Given Friday, March 27th: “Urbi et Orbi”

The Urbi et Orbi blessing is a solemn apostolic prayer to “The City (of Rome) and the World”.

On March 22nd, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would give an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing on Friday March 27th. The Urbi et Orbi blessing is a solemn apostolic prayer to “The City (of Rome) and the World”. This title emphasizes the Pope’s dual responsibility as bishop of Rome and head of the global church.

These special blessings are typically reserved for Christmas and Easter or the opening and closing of Vatican Councils. To signify its importance, the Pope always delivers the Urbi et Orbi from the central Papal Balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. This Balcony (called the Sagrato), is only used for this rare blessing and for the presentation of new Popes.

In addition to its rarity, the Urbi et Orbi carries a plenary indulgence for all those who watch it via media. This indulgence is a remittance of all temporal punishment due to sin. It takes away all future punishment for sin after death. To receive this indulgence, Catholics must be detached from sin, and possess the strong desire to attend sacramental confession, receive the Eucharist, and pray for the Holy Father’s intentions as soon as possible.

We can all take part in this historic blessing on March 27th at 12:00 PM EST. You can live stream the event on the Vatican News Website: https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html 

 

(Header photo CNS photo/Vatican Media)

 

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

What to know about the 2025 Jubilee

Why Rome?

Why does the Catholic Church make such a big deal about a city that is barely mentioned in Scripture, and when it is, often derogatorily?

What is a Jubilee “Indulgence”?

The Jubilee is a time for reconciliation and mercy. This dates back to the Jubilees of the Old Testament, when the Lord commanded the people to free slaves, forgive debts, and return property.

Pope Saint John Paul II

Pope John Paul II and the Great Jubilee 2000

The last “ordinary” Jubilee was celebrated at the turn of the millennia in the year 2000. From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II understood his mission to be leading the Church into this new millennia, beginning with this “Great Jubilee.”

×
×

Cart

Attend our next Webinar!

Sign up to recieve information about upcoming and on-demand webinars.