Everything about Urbi Et Orbi totally explained
Urbi et Orbi, literally "to the City [ofRome] and to the World," was a standard opening of Roman proclamations. The term is now used to denote a
papal address and
Apostolic Blessing that's addressed to the City of
Rome and to the entire world.
The blessing takes place at each
Easter and
Christmas celebration in Rome from the central loggia of
St. Peter's Basilica. Part of the
urbi et orbi blessing is the remission of all temporal punishment due to sin through a plenary
indulgence attached to the Papal blessing.
The blessings at
Christmas and
Easter are broadcast throughout the world by the
European Broadcasting Union. The remission and forgiveness of sins isn't only granted to the people in
St. Peter's Square but also to Catholics watching the ceremony on
television and listening on
radio. Before this blessing the Pope gives an address to the crowd and to the world, with seasonal greetings in many of the major world languages.
Urbi et orbi is also used at St. Peter's at the
Papal inauguration and, on very rare occasions, as the blessing of
pilgrims and during the
Holy Year (
Jubilee).
The main phrase of the blessing ends
Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper
(And may the blessing of Almighty God, + the Father, + the Son, and + the Holy Spirit, descend on you and remain with you always).
Latin Text of the Blessing
The text of blessing in
Latin is:
Sancti Apostoli Petrus et Paulus: de quoroum potestate et auctoritate confidimus ipsi intercedant pro nobis ad Dominum.
R/ Amen.
Precibus et meritis beatæ Mariae semper Virginis, beati Michaelis Archangeli, beati Ioannis Baptistæ, et sanctorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli et omnium Sanctorum misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus; et dimissis omnibus peccatis vestris, perducat vos Iesus Christus ad vitam æternam.
R/
Amen.
Indulgentiam, absolutionem et remissionem omnium peccatorum vestrorum, spatium verae et fructuosae poenitentiæ, cor semper penitens, 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, Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper.
R/
Amen.
English Translation
The approximate English translation is as follows:
May the Holy
Apostles Peter and
Paul, in whose power and authority we've confidence,
intercede on our behalf to the Lord.
R/ Amen.
Through the prayers and merits of the
Blessed Mary ever-virgin, of Blessed
Michael the
Archangel, of Blessed
John the Baptist, and of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the
saints, may Almighty God have
mercy on you, and with your sins
forgiven, may Jesus Christ lead you into everlasting life.
R/ Amen.
May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant you
indulgence,
absolution, and
remission of all your sins, time for a true and fruitful penance, an always
repentant heart and amendment of life, the
grace and consolation of the
Holy Spirit, and final perseverance in
good works.
R/ Amen.
And may the blessing of Almighty God, + the Father, + the Son, and + the Holy Spirit, descend on you and remain with you always.
R/ Amen.
Older practice
Prior to the occupation of Rome by the army of the
Kingdom of Italy (
September 20,
1870), this blessing was given more frequently and at specific
basilicas at Rome:
After the occupation,
Pope Pius IX considered himself a "
Prisoner in the Vatican" and in
protest ceased to give the blessing. The practice was later resumed, though in a more limited manner, following the resolution of the so-called "
Roman Question" (for example, the legal relationship between the
Vatican and the Itallian government).
Pope Innocent X in the Jubilee of
1650 on the
Epiphany, Pentecost, and
All Saints, as well as later popes, including Pope Pius IX, for special reasons, gave this solemn blessing from the balcony of the
Quirinal Palace.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Urbi Et Orbi'.
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