The
Urbi et Orbi address and blessing is the most solemn form of blessing in the Catholic Church, and is reserved for the most solemn occasions. These occasions include
Easter,
Christmas, and the proclamation of a newly elected pope concluding a conclave.
Urbi et Orbi blessings are usually given from the central
loggia of
Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, at noontime, and are broadcast worldwide through the
European Broadcasting Union and other linkups. The address concludes with greetings in many languages in relation to the feast celebrated. The
Catholic Church grants a
plenary indulgence by the willful grace and intent of the pope, on the usual conditions, to those who "devoutly receive" the blessing that the pope imparts
Urbi et Orbi. For any ordinary plenary indulgence, the conditions are: • Reception of
sacramental confession through a
Catholic priest within 20 days (before or after) of performing the specific work • Reception of
Eucharistic communion within 20 days (before or after) of performing the specific work • Prayers for the
intentions of the pope designated for that particular month or occasion, usually at the same time the work is performed, though recitation some days before or after also suffices Gaining a plenary indulgence requires that a baptized Catholic must also exclude any attachment to
sin, even
venial sin. Since 1985, this indulgence is granted not only to the people in
Saint Peter's Square, but also to those who though unable to be physically present, "piously follow" it by radio or television. This is now extended to all who receive the
papal blessing over the Internet ("the new communications medium"), since the blessing is preceded by an announcement by a
cardinal (usually the
cardinal protodeacon): "His Holiness Pope N. grants a plenary indulgence in the form laid down by the Church to all the faithful present and to those who receive his blessing by radio, television, and the new communications media. Let us ask Almighty God to grant the Pope many years as leader of the Church and peace and unity to the Church throughout the world." On 27 March 2020, Pope Francis imparted an extraordinary
Urbi et Orbi blessing in order to pray for the end of the
COVID-19 pandemic. He stood in a deserted
Saint Peter's Square. For this blessing, the
Apostolic Penitentiary loosened the requirements to receive the
Eucharist and go to confession, due to the impossibility for people affected by lockdowns and suspension of liturgies. The
Salus Populi Romani image and a crucifix from the church of
San Marcello al Corsoboth seen as miraculouswere brought to the square for the occasion. The Pope performed the blessing as a
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. == Greetings in different languages ==