THE PAPAL BLESSING URBI ET ORBI

The Urbi et Orbi address and blessing are given each Easter and Christmas from the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, at noontime, and are broadcast worldwide through the European Broadcasting Union and other linkups. The address concludes with greetings in many languages in relation to the feast celebrated.

The Roman Catholic Church, by the willful grace and intent of the Pope grants a plenary indulgence, on the usual conditions, to those who "devoutly receive" the blessing that the Pope imparts Urbi et Orbi.

For any ordinary plenary indulgence, the "usual conditions" are:

Reception of sacramental confession through a Catholic priest within 20 days (before or after) performing the specific work;

Reception of Eucharistic communion within 20 days (before or after) performing the specific work;

Prayers for the intentions of the Pope designated for that particular month or occasion, usually at the same time the work is performed, though recitation some days before or after also suffices.

Gaining a plenary indulgence requires that a baptized Roman Catholic must also exclude any attachment to sin, even venial sin.

Since 1985, this indulgence is granted not only to the people in Saint Peter's Square, but also to those who though unable to be physically present, "piously follow" it by radio or television.

This is now extended to all who receive the papal blessing over the Internet ("the new communications medium"), since the blessing is preceded by an announcement: "His Holiness, the Pope, grants a plenary indulgence in the form laid down by the Church to all the faithful present and to those who receive his blessing by radio, television and the new communications media. Let us ask Almighty God to grant the Pope many years as leader of the Church and peace and unity to the Church throughout the world."

This Christmas, I encourage and invite Readers to receive this special blessing and join their prayers to those of the Holy Father that Christ Jesus be praised and that the world may know the joy of His Peace and Charity on this special day and always.  

Merry Christmas!  God's Peace and Love be yours always!