All are enjoined to gather together in imploring God's mercies, as Pope Francis leads a Prayer Service from St. Peter’s Basilica, tomorrow, Friday, March 27, beginning at 10:00am, California PST. FOLLOW THE EVENT at this link.

The prayer service includes the Liturgy of the Word, as well as adoration and benediction with the Blessed Sacrament.

Pope Francis will give a special “urbi et orbi” apostolic blessing — “to the City of Rome and the world” — with the possibility of attaining a plenary indulgence. While the normal conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence include sacramental Confession and Communion, during the pandemic, those conditions have been altered to when it again becomes possible.

The possibility for the indulgence has for several decades now been extended to those who are tuned in to the ceremony through radio, television or other means. On this occasion, of course, that will be nearly everyone who receives the blessing.

The urbi et orbi blessings are usually given on solemn occasions — Christmas, Easter, and when a new pope is elected, as his first blessing for the world.

Pope Francis has been giving benediction with the Blessed Sacrament at the end of his daily Masses in Casa Santa Marta, which during this time of pandemic, are being live-streamed.

Source: www.aleteia.org

For more information on the Pope's Blessing click here.