Papal blessings

The Latest

Signs hanging in the office of papal charities in Vatican City show the different models of papal blessing certificates that can be ordered, Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate brings surge of interest in papal blessings

Jul 31, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

The surge in blessings reflects enthusiasm over the start of a new pontificate and highlights a traditional practice that combines... Read more

Pope Francis gives an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica March 27, 2020.

Pope Francis to bless satellite set to launch his words into space

Mar 27, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

While in orbit, the satellite will broadcast decipherable statements from Pope Francis on the theme of hope and peace in... Read more

Pope Francis gives his apostolic blessing on Easter Sunday April 21, 2019.

Easter brings a 'new world,' Pope Francis says in Urbi et Orbi

Apr 21, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Christ’s resurrection ushers in a new world – one of peace, love, and fraternity, Pope Francis said on Easter Sunday,... Read more

Papal Almoner Archbishop Konrad Krajewski.

Papal blessing proceeds will soon go to poor – not shopkeepers

Sep 8, 2014

Papal blessing certificates, often bought to mark weddings and first Communions, will soon only be available for purchase directly from... Read more