His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Imparting the Apostolic Blessing upon All

By Jayson Brunelle

The “Apostolic Pardon” or, as it is sometimes called, the “Apostolic Blessing,” can be obtained from any priest at the moment of death, in articulo mortis.  Generally, after the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has been administered, along with the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, or Viaticum (Bread for the journey), the priest may use either of the following formulas to impart the “Apostolic Pardon,” which liberates the soul from all temporal punishment due to sin that has already been forgiven in the Sacrament of Penance, thereby enabling the soul to gain immediate entrance into heaven.  I encourage my readers to print this post and carry a copy of this “Apostolic Pardon” in your wallet or purse in case of an emergency, as many priests, although they possess the faculties to administer this blessing, are not aware of it.  Having it on hand and readily available in an emergency situation could quite literally save you or another soul from the equivalent of years of suffering  and penance in purgatory.  Either formula may be used:

(1) “Through the holy mysteries of our redemption may almighty God release you from all punishments in this life and in the life to come. May he open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy.” 

(2) “By the authority which the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a full pardon and the remission of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The Handbook of Indulgences #28 states: “Priests who minister the sacraments to the Christian faithful who are in a life-and-death situation should not neglect to impart to them the apostolic blessing, with its attached indulgence. But if a priest cannot be present, holy mother Church lovingly grants such persons who are rightly disposed a plenary indulgence to be obtained in articulo mortis, at the approach of death, provided they regularly prayed in some way during their lifetime. The use of a crucifix or a cross is recommended in obtaining this plenary indulgence. In such a situation the three usual conditions required in order to gain a plenary indulgence are substituted for by the condition ‘provided they regularly prayed in some way.'”