What traditional Sunday blessing do popes give in St. Peter’s Square?
Vatican City holds a significant event for thousands of Catholic pilgrims in Rome every Sunday – the midday blessing delivered by the Pope from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. The newly elected Pope, Leo XIV, will deliver his first Sunday prayer this week, continuing the tradition set by his predecessors.
The long-standing practice of the pope’s Sunday blessing dates back to 1954 when Pope Pius XII initiated a special year of veneration to the Virgin Mary by reciting a traditional midday prayer dedicated to her. While Popes traditionally delivered this prayer from the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis was known to reside in a Vatican guest house instead. However, he continued to carry out the tradition of delivering the Sunday prayer from the palace.
The Sunday blessing serves as an opportunity for the ordinary faithful to witness the Pope up close, delivering short messages on various contemporary themes since the time of St. John Paul II’s papacy. These occasions have gained significant global attention, such as when Pope Francis missed a prayer earlier this year due to hospitalization. The upcoming Sunday will mark Leo’s inaugural appearance for the weekly event.
The Angelus prayer, recited by many Catholics daily, is recognized as a key component of the Sunday blessing. Originating from the moment the Archangel Gabriel informed Mary of her divine motherhood, this practice is deeply rooted in Christian doctrines. Often accompanied by the tolling of bells, the prayer signifies a pivotal event in religious history and has been depicted in various works of art since the Middle Ages.
Remarkable moments have been witnessed during past Sunday blessings, such as St. John Paul II making his last appearance for the Angelus prayer shortly before his passing in 2005. Pope Benedict XVI’s final Sunday prayer in 2013 before resigning also garnered immense support and reassurance from the crowd. In his initial Angelus in 2013, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of mercy and creating a more just world, which has become a central theme of his papacy. Recent Sunday blessings by Pope Francis have addressed pressing issues like advocating for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, concluding with a simple yet profound wish for all to enjoy a good lunch.
The Sunday blessing ritual embodies a deep connection between the Pope and his audience, sharing messages of faith, hope, and unity. The upcoming Sunday blessing by Pope Leo XIV is anticipated to deliver a message of peace and compassion to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.