updated October 2018
A Papal Blessing, or "Benediction Papalis" is a blessing from the Holy Father to honour important events in the life of a follower of the Catholic Church.
Although the Pope’s blessing itself is invisible to the eye, the "Benediction Papalis" can be materialized on a special certificate issued by the Apostolic Nunciature of Canada, the personal representative of the Pope in Canada. The one-of-a-kind parchments are inscribed with the names of the blessed.
An apostolic blessing can be prepared for baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, marriages and anniversaries of marriages, Priestly ordinations (First Mass) and their anniversaries, religious profession and anniversaries, ordination to the permanent diaconate, birthdays, dedication of new churches or special anniversaries of parishes or shrines, anniversaries of Catholics groups and associations.
Another key issue to remember is that only baptized Catholics can request the blessing, either for themselves or friends and family members.
The blessing is free, but the Church does request a donation for the certificate, which will be donated to a charity for the poor.
It is also important to note that the request needs a recommendation by the Pastor, Priest, or Bishop who knows the petitioner with his signature and stamp of the parish.
For more updated information on how to request a Papal Blessing, go to the Apostolic Nunciature of Canada website, and click on "Request an Apostolic Blessing".
Apostolic Blessing Request Instructions (295 KB)
