Apostolic blessing

Apostolic blessing parchment

The apostolic blessing or papal blessing is a blessing imparted by the pope, either directly or by delegation through others. Bishops are empowered to grant it three times a year and any priest can do so for the dying.[1]

The apostolic blessing is not to be confused with an episcopal blessing, also known as a pontifical blessing, which bishops can impart at any time by their own authority.[1]

  1. ^ a b Donald S. Armentrout, Robert Boak Slocum (editors), An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church (Church Publishing 2000 ISBN 978-0-89869211-2), p. 25