Urbi et Orbi

Etymology

The term Urbi et Orbi evolved from the consciousness of the ancient Roman Empire. The invocation is expressed by the pope in his capacity as both the bishop of Rome (urbs = city; urbi the corresponding dative form; compare: urban) and the head of the Catholic Church throughout the world (orbis = earth; orbi the corresponding dative form; compare: orbit).

The formula is found more frequently in the language of the Church, as in the inscription at the Lateran Basilica, which is: Sacrosancta Lateranensis ecclesia omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput ("Most Holy Lateran Church, of all the churches in the city and the world, the mother and head").

In the 4th century, Pope Damasus I wrote in a letter to the bishops of Illyricum: Unde iustum est, omnes in Universo Romanorum Orbe Doctores legis, ea, quae legis sunt, sapere, et non fidem doctrinis variis maculare ("Wherefore it is just that all the teachers of the law in the universe of the Roman world should be wise in the things of the law, and not to tarnish the faith with various doctrines").

The ritual of the papal blessing Urbi et Orbi developed in the 13th century during the reign of Pope Gregory X.

Occasions

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

From Pope Paul VI to Pope Benedict XVI, after delivering their Urbi et Orbi message, the pope would greet the different nations in their native languages. The pope typically began by saying: "To those who listen to me, I address a cordial greeting in the different language expressions." Pope Francis discontinued this practice, but in turn was revived by Pope Leo XIV beginning in 2025.

Formulae of apostolic blessing

Latin

:Sancti Apostoli Petrus et Paulus: de quorum potestate et auctoritate confidimus, ipsi intercedant pro nobis ad Dominum. :℟: Amen. :Precibus et meritis beatæ Mariæ semper Virginis, beati Michælis 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. :℟: Amen. :Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem omnium peccatorum vestrorum, spatium veræ et fructuosæ pœnitentiæ, cor semper pænitens, et emendationem vitæ, gratiam et consolationem Sancti Spiritus; et finalem perseverantiam in bonis operibus tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. :℟: Amen. :Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, descendat super vos et maneat semper. :℟: Amen.

English translation

:May the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in whose power and authority we trust, intercede for us before the Lord. :℟: Amen. :Through the prayers and merits of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, may Almighty God have mercy on you and forgive all your sins, and may Jesus Christ bring you to everlasting life. :℟: Amen. :May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you indulgence, absolution and the remission of all your sins, a season of true and fruitful penance, a well-disposed heart, amendment of life, the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit and final perseverance in good works. :℟: Amen. :And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever. :℟: Amen.

Former practice

Prior to the occupation of Rome by the army of the Kingdom of Italy (20 September 1870), this blessing was given more frequently and at specific basilicas at Rome:

• Saint Peter's Basilica—Holy Thursday, Easter, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and at the papal coronation
• Archbasilica of St. John Lateran—Ascension (sometimes this was postponed until Pentecost), and when a new pope was enthroned as Bishop of Rome
• Basilica of Saint Mary Major—Assumption On the occasion of a Holy Year the pope gave the blessing on other occasions too for the benefit of pilgrims. In the jubilee year of 1650 Pope Innocent X did so at Epiphany, Pentecost, and All Saints. He and later popes gave such special-occasion blessings from the balcony of the Quirinal Palace, which was then the papal residence.

Pope Pius IX, who considered himself a "prisoner in the Vatican" gave the solemn blessing of Urbi et Orbi from the balcony of the Quirinal Palace.

Other uses

It is the motto of Long Island University.

References

References

1. Andrew Meehan, ''Urbi et Orbi'', in ''The Catholic Encyclopedia''. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912
2. The British and foreign evangelical review and quarterly record of Christian literature, Vol. XV., page 39, [[James Oswald Dykes]], James Stuart Candlish, Hugh Sinclair Paterson, Joseph Samuel Exell, James Nisbet & Co., London 1866.
3. [[Cassiodorus]], ''Historia Eccl., 5, CAPUT XXIX. Litterae Damasi et caeterorum ad Illyricum contra concilium in Nicaea Thraciae factum''.
4. (2007-01-25). "A Natural History of Latin". OUP Oxford.
5. The Travels Of Marco Polo, page 214, Henry Yule, Plain Label Books, {{ISBN. 978-1-60303-615-3
6. [https://english.katholisch.de/artikel/49832-urbi-et-orbi-the-greatest-blessing-in-the-world Urbi et Orbi: The greatest blessing in the world]
7. [https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_appen_doc_20020826_enchiridion-indulgentiarum_lt.html Normae de Indulgentiis, 20]
8. ''Enchiridion Indulgentiarum'', "Aliae Concessiones", 4
9. [https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/19/world/vatican-to-allow-indulgences-by-tv.html John Tagliabue, ''Vatican to allow indulgences by TV'', ''New York Times'', 19 December 1985]
10. [https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/libretti/2016/20160327-libretto-domenica-di-pasqua.pdf "Urbi et Orbi" in Easter Sunday Booklet, Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, 27 March, 2016]
11. (2020-03-27). "Pope's special Urbi et Orbi blessing: 'God turns everything to our good' - Vatican News".
12. (22 March 2020). "Declaration of the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni". [[Holy See]].
13. (24 March 2020). "Here's How You Can Get the Vatican's New Coronavirus Indulgences".
14. (22 March 2020). "Extraordinary moment of prayer presided at by the Holy Father before Saint Peter's Basilica Homily of the Holy Father". [[Holy See]].
15. (2020-03-27). "Pope at Urbi et orbi: Full text of his meditation - Vatican News".
16. "Auguri del Santo Padre AI Popoli e Alle Nazioni in Occasione della Santa Pasqua".
17. "Auguri del Santo Padre AI Popoli e Alle Nazioni in Occasione del Santo Natale".
18. [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15221a.htm Andrew Meehan, "Urbi et Orbi"] in ''[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]'' (New York 1912)
19. Andrew Meehan, ''Urbi et Orbi'', in ''The Catholic Encyclopedia''. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912
20. [https://liu.edu/about About Long Island University]