The papal blessing known as the Benedictio Coram Populo, or more commonly as the Urbi et Orbi (to the city [of Rome] and to the world) blessing, is pronounced by the popes on certain solemn occasions such as the Election of a Roman Pontiff, New Years Day or on other special days throughout the year such as Christmas Day or Easter Day.
Below is an image of Pope Benedict, wearing the Easter mozzetta worn for the octave of Easter, giving the ritual blessing to the crowds in St. Peter's Square. Also included is an image of Venerable Pius XII, blessing the students and faculty at his Alma Mater, the Capranica College in Rome.
Notice how both Pontiffs makes use of the exact same book with the blessing, with its white calf gilt and embossed cover, probably from the reign of Blessed Pius IX.
English Translation:
The ancient formula of invocation and blessing is quite poetic and calls twice upon the intercession of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul as well as Our Lady, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. John the Baptist.
The popes give this blessing in their capacity both as Bishop of Rome as well as the Universal Shephard of souls. It is therefore the most solemn form of blessing and is usually given from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica and broadcast throughout the world.
A plenary indulgence is attached to the blessing, per the Enchiridion Indulgentiarum:
12. Benedictio Papalis (Papal Blessing)
"A plenary indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who devoutly receive the blessing imparted either by the Roman Pontiff to the City and to the World or by a bishop to the faithful entrusted to his care in accord with norm number 10, paragraph 2, of this Handbook. This grant extends also to such blessings when given by means of radio or television." (Source: The Handbook of Indulgences Norms and Grants, p. 47).
The verbiage of the blessing follows below:
Benedictio Coram Populo
Sancti Apostoli Petrus et Paulus de quorum potestate et auctoritate confidimus, ipsi intercedant pro vobis ad Dominum. R/. Amen.
Precibus et meritis beatae Mariae semper Virginis, beati Michaelis Archangeli, beati Ioannis Baptistate et sanctorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, et omnium Sanctorum:
Misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus et dimissis omnibus peccatis vestris, perducat vos Iesus Christus ad vitam aeternam. R/. Amen.
Indulgentiam, absolutionem et remissionem omnium peccatorum vestrorum, spatium verae et fructuosae poenitentiae, cor semper poenitens, et emendationem vitae, gratiam et consolationem Sancti Spiritus et finalem perseverantiam in bonis operibus tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. R/. Amen.
Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Pa+tris, et Fi+lii, et Spiritus + Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper. R/. Amen.
May the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in whose power and authority we trust, intercede for you with the Lord. ℟: Amen.
Through the prayers and merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, Blessed John the Baptist and the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and of all the Saints: may Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins, and may Jesus Christ bring you to everlasting life. ℟: Amen.
May the Almighty and most merciful God grant you forgiveness, absolution and remission of all your sins, time for a true and worthy penance, an ever-penitent heart, and true amendment of life, the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit and final perseverance in good works. ℟: Amen.
And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost come down upon you and remain with you always. ℟: Amen.
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