How to Obtain an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV

Vatican City, 29 May, 2025 - Pope Leo XIV is now granting apostolic blessings to the faithful worldwide, a spiritual gesture that can be officially requested through the Vatican’s Apostolic Almoner’s Office.

Printed on parchment, these blessings are a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church and are typically given to mark significant life events such as baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and anniversaries.

According to the Vatican Apostolic Almoner’s Office, requests for blessings can be made either in person or online. Visitors opting for the in-person route must go to the office within Vatican City, entering via the Porta di Sant’Anna to the right of St. Peter’s Square. The office is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. local time.

For those unable to travel to Rome, the process is easily completed online via the Apostolic Almoner’s official website. Applicants first select the occasion, choose a parchment design, and enter the required information including recipient names, the event’s date and location, and the applicant’s contact details. Delivery options include local pickup or international DHL Express shipping. Payment, made by Visa or MasterCard, also includes a charitable donation.

Processing takes approximately 25 days for pickup and 30 days for international delivery. Parchments cost between €20 and €30 (£17–£26), with shipping ranging from €15 (£13) within Italy to €40 (£34) for African destinations.

All proceeds, after covering costs, support the pope’s charitable missions to aid those most in need.

Apostolic blessings are granted for sacraments such as baptism, first Communion, confirmation, marriage, priesthood ordination, and religious profession, as well as milestone birthdays and anniversaries. In some cases, a declaration confirming the recipients are practising Catholics is required.

Applications via post, fax, or email are not accepted, and only requests made through authorised channels are considered valid.

Source : CNA News