A Papal blessing is a request made to the Holy Father for his prayers and blessing on a person or persons. They are often requested for weddings, anniversaries, ordinations, and for parishes.

In order to receive a Papal Blessing, a letter must be written by a priest who can attest to the fact that the person(s) to receive the blessing is/are practicing Catholics in good standing. The letter is sent to Rome and after the Holy Father imparts his blessing, an artistic document is returned with the name(s) of the recipient(s), including the significant date (e.g. date of wedding, anniversary, ordination, etc.). This document is usually framed by the one requesting the blessing before being presented to the recipient(s).

There is, of course, no fee involved for the blessing itself. But a fee is charged for the document that is received, based on its size and artistic quality. Most of them have a picture of the Pope on them, and most have the personalized information artistically hand-written on them. The average cost is about $30.00.

I happen to have plans to go to Rome on pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year during the first week of June, and would be happy to assist anyone in obtaining a Papal blessing while I am there or at any other time you may desire one. Since mail to and from Rome can take quite a long time, it is wise to request a Papal Blessing a few months in advance of the time you wish to receive it.

I am unaware of the exact history of such Papal blessings, but they are simply a request made to the Holy Father for his prayers and blessing upon individuals or groups who are committed to their Catholic Faith.

Fr. James P. Schmitz