The Apostolic Pardon (also called the Apostolic Blessing for the Dying) is a special blessing imparted by a priest to a Catholic who is in danger of death. The Church grants, through this blessing, a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions possible for the dying person, entrusting them to God’s mercy and preparing them for their passage into eternal life.
Often administered together with the Sacraments of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick, the Apostolic Pardon is part of the Church’s pastoral care for the dying. It reflects the Church’s confidence in Christ’s power to forgive sins and her desire to accompany the faithful at the final moments of earthly life.
The Apostolic Pardon symbolizes God’s mercy, the communion of the Church, and the Christian hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
John 20:22–23
Christ gives the Apostles authority concerning the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 16:19
Jesus entrusts the keys of the Kingdom to Peter.
James 5:14–15
The Church is called to minister to the sick through prayer and sacramental care.
Catholic Tradition of the Apostolic Blessing for the Dying
The Church extends a final blessing and plenary indulgence to those properly disposed at the approach of death.
Illustration by: Colton Rompala