Start of Leo XIV’s Pontificate Brings Surge of Interest in Papal Blessings

Start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate brings surge of interest in papal blessings

Signs hanging in the office of papal charities in Vatican City show the different models of papal blessing certificates that can be ordered, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. / Credit: Hannah Brockhaus/CNA Vatican City, Jul 31, 2025 / 10:41 am (CNA). The... [...]

Start of Leo XIV’s pontificate brings surge of interest in papal blessings

Signs hanging in the office of papal charities in Vatican City show the different models of papal blessing certificates that can be ordered, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. / Credit: Hannah Brockhaus/CNA Vatican City, Jul 31, 2025 / 10:41 am (CNA). The Vatican has seen a boom in requests for blessings from the new pope, with at least a 30% increase during Leo XIV’s first month reflecting enthusiasm over the start of a new pontificate — and highlighting …

Boom: Requests for papal blessing surge - Deacon Greg Kandra

From CNA: The Vatican has seen a boom in requests for blessings from the new pope, with at least a 30% increase during Leo XIV’s first month reflecting enthusiasm over the start of a new pontificate — and highlighting a traditional practice that combines devotion with fundraising for charitable works. In June, the Vatican granted 20,000 papal blessing requests — up from the 12,000 to 15,000 parchments distributed in a typical month — something t…