Papal Blessing

[Greg1021]

Reading a thread earlier raised some questions for me. During the Pope’s general audience on Wednesdays, he blesses all items and extends those blessing to family members at home. An earlier poster stated that those blessings are for people in attendance, on TV, and online as well. So if that is accurate, If I watch the Wednesday general audience online (which I try to do every Wednesday, but don’t always) that any items that I have in my possession (like my green scapular, which I just purchased but haven’t gotten blessed yet) are blessed?

Thank you

 

[InNomineDomini]

I’ve heard both sides of this.

My working assumption is that, unless it’s made perfectly clear that the Holy Father intends to bless religious items TV viewers may have, we shouldn’t presume as much.

I’m not aware of any official documentation on this, however; someone else could clarify a bit better.

 

[porthos11]

I’ve heard both sides of this.

My working assumption is that, unless it’s made perfectly clear that the Holy Father intends to bless religious items TV viewers may have, we shouldn’t presume as much.

I’m not aware of any official documentation on this, however; someone else could clarify a bit better.

He must clearly state his intention. If he doesn’t state an intention to bless religious items over the air, but only family members watching, we cannot presume this intention.

But he can. I just don’t know if he does.

 

[chero23]

I’ve heard both sides of this.

My working assumption is that, unless it’s made perfectly clear that the Holy Father intends to bless religious items TV viewers may have, we shouldn’t presume as much.

I’m not aware of any official documentation on this, however; someone else could clarify a bit better.

My mom said that when JPII went to Mexico the first time, he told people the blessing that I give, is not only for those in attendance but also those watching on TV

 

[AngelusDomini]

Those who devoutly follow the Pope’s blessing Urbi et Orbi (and as far as I can gather only when Urbi et Orbi) via a live broadcast on television, internet or radio may gain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.

Blessings are imparted to the families, at home, of those attending an audience and items to be blessed are held up by the faithful gathered for the audience. Blessed items may then be given or sent as gifts. (When I went to a general audience I took many rosaries to be blessed and then distributed them when I got home).

As others have mentioned, I would think that a papal blessing would have to be stated as being extended to those following via television, or in another part of the country/world etc. or designated as Urbi et Orbi (such as given at Easter for example). For items to be blessed, I would think that would also have to be made explicitly clear as the Holy Father’s intention.