The last part of the East Sunday Mass is a blessing called the Urbi et Orbi. The Urbi et Orbi address and blessing are given each Easter and Christmas from the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, at noontime, and are broadcast worldwide through the European Broadcasting Union and other linkups. The Roman Catholic Church grants a plenary indulgence by the willful grace and intent of the Pope, on the usual conditions, to those who “devoutly receive” the blessing that the Pope imparts Urbi et Orbi. Since 1985, this indulgence is granted not only to the people in Saint Peter’s Square, but also to those who though unable to be physically present, “piously follow” it by radio or television or the internet. The blessing is preceded by an announcement by the Cardinal Protodeacon: “His Holiness Pope Francis grants a plenary indulgence in the form laid down by the Church to all the faithful present and to those who receive his blessing by radio, television and the new communications media. Let us ask Almighty God to grant the Pope many years as leader of the Church and peace and unity to the Church throughout the world.” On this day the entire Roman Catholic faith focuses on the Easter Sunday Mass on St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City in Rome, Italy.
