These blessings, printed on elegant parchments, are a tangible sign of the spiritual closeness of the Successor of Peter and are granted on the occasion of key moments in Christian life: baptisms, confirmations, marriages, ordinations, religious professions, significant anniversaries, or particularly significant birthdays.

Where and how to request a blessing?

The Vatican’s Apostolic Almoner’s Office—the only body authorized to issue these official blessings—offers two ways to obtain the document:

1. In person at the Vatican

Faithful located in Rome can go directly to the offices of the Almoner’s Office, located within Vatican City. Access is through the Porta di Sant’Anna, next to the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square.

Opening Hours:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (local time)

2. Online

For those far from Rome, the digital procedure is also accessible through the official website of the Apostolic Almoner’s Office (the only authorized portal).

Steps to follow:

1. Choose the reason for the blessing (sacrament or anniversary).
2. Select the desired parchment model.
3. Fill in the required information (names, dates, location of the celebration).
4. Register the applicant and choose the delivery method (local pickup or DHL Express).
5. Make the corresponding donation using a VISA or MasterCard.

The system also allows you to create a personal account to facilitate future requests. Once the process is complete, the applicant will receive a confirmation email with the estimated delivery date.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

• Estimated time:
• • Pickup at the office: approximately 25 days.
  • International shipping: up to 30 days.
• Approximate cost of the parchment: between 20 and 30 euros, depending on the model.
• Shipping costs:
• • Italy: from 15 euros
  • Europe: approximately 25 euros
  • Africa: up to 40 euros

It is important to note that the proceeds, after deducting production and shipping costs, are entirely donated to the Pope’s charitable works through this pontifical office.

What are valid occasions?

The Almonry establishes certain criteria for granting the apostolic blessing. It is granted on the occasion of:

• Sacraments: Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, Religious Profession.
• Significant anniversaries: Silver or golden wedding anniversaries, birthdays marking decades (50, 75, 100 years, etc.).
• In these latter cases, a “declaration of suitability” may be required, certifying that the recipients are practicing Catholics.

Requests by regular mail, fax, or email are not accepted. Any unofficial channel will be automatically rejected.

A gesture of faith and charity

Beyond the parchment and protocol, requesting an apostolic blessing is a way of uniting oneself spiritually with the Pope and supporting the works of mercy he promotes on behalf of the entire Church. A gesture that, on important dates, can become a true sign of shared faith and ecclesial communion.