Apostolic Blessing
The apostolic blessing ( Benedictionale Apostolica seu Papalis ) is a special blessing in the Roman Catholic Church.
Concept and forms
In the apostolic blessing two types can be distinguished:
First, the special apostolic blessing, which may be granted (of this up to three times a year ) by the pope or diocesan bishop. Dying may also be granted through the priest 's blessing. It is also a newly ordained priest allowed to donate the blessing at the end of his first Mass. In conjunction with him a plenary indulgence of the temporal punishment is issued. The most famous apostolic blessing urbi et orbi blessing of Pope, the Pope donates the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord and the Solemnity of the Lord's resurrection, and after his election as Successor of Peter. Since 1967 also the radio reception of the blessing given by the Pope from the Vatican is recognized as effective, since 1985 and the reception on the television.
In addition, each issue of blessing by the Pope for the right present is referred to as an apostolic blessing. For example, the blessing of St. Peter's Square on Sundays and public holidays, preceded by the Angelus prayer. This was introduced in the Holy Year in 1450 by Pope Nicholas V. But the blessing of the Pope issued at the end of speeches for the audience or as blessings at the end of an official letter. The term apostolic here refers to the holy Apostles Peter as prince in whose succession the popes are ( Apostolic Succession ).
Both have in common is that they - like any blessing - not a personal blessing by the blesses, but to ask that God would give his blessing to those present.
Blessing formula
The Blessings of a special apostolic blessing are different. The best known is that of the papal blessing urbi et orbi.
The blessing formula of the "normal " apostolic blessing corresponds to the episcopal blessing formula: