Apostolic blessing
Videos
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.
Pope Benedict XVI – in a General Audience
Urbi et Orbi
Videos
Urbi et Orbi denotes a papal address and apostolic blessing given by the pope on certain solemn occasions.
The 2008 Urbi et Orbi given by Pope Benedict XVI on Christmas Day, from Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City
The façade of Saint Peter's Basilica with loggia balcony, where the pope usually gives the blessing Urbi et Orbi