When your child is baptized, did you know Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, will send your little one Papal blessings on a beautiful certificate? This comes complete with the Papal seal and signature.
There are a few ways to request a Papal blessing, including locally and online:
Local Requests
Individuals must visit their diocese’s Chancery Office or call the parish secretary for guidance on making this special request. It is recommended that requests are written on parish letterhead, with the parish seal, and include the pastor’s signature.
While there is a cost for this, proceeds go directly to charity; prices range from $25 to $50, depending on the format chosen (printed certificate vs. parchment with calligraphy).
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington is made up of 69 parishes, including those in Fairfax and Loudoun County. To contact the Chancery directly, please send an email to [email protected] or call (703) 841-2500.
Click to connect online and learn more.
Online Requests
Click here to connect with the Office of Papal Charities in Vatican City (no other internet sites are authorized to receive or forward parchment requests). You’ll learn more about the requirements and costs associated with requesting a Papal blessing.
Please note, all proceeds associated with blessings are applied entirely to the works of charity undertaken daily in the name of the Pope by this Office, in service of the poor.
Click to connect online and learn more.
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