Why Do Catholics ...?

What is an apostolic blessing?

An apostolic blessing is a blessing given by the pope, or those to whom he has given the faculty, and includes a plenary indulgence.

It is best known from solemn occasions, such as the election of a pope, Christmas and Easter, when the pope gives it from the loggia, or balcony, of St. Peter’s Basilica.

It may also be granted by any priest to those who are in danger of death, when it is also called the apostolic pardon.

 

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Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne attends a German Synodal Way assembly on March 9, 2023.

Four German Bishops Resist Push to Install Permanent ‘Synodal Council’

Given the Vatican’s repeated interventions against the German process, the bishops said they would instead look to the Synod of Bishops in Rome. Meanwhile, on Monday, German diocesan bishops approved the statutes for a synodal committee; and there are reports that the synodal committee will meet again in June.

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis