What is the Traditional Sunday Blessing that Popes Deliver in St. Peter’s Square?

Here is a look at the history, meaning, and memorable moments from the Sunday blessings of popes past.

The History of the Pope’s Sunday Blessing

In 1954, which he had declared a special year of veneration to the Virgin Mary, Pope Pius XII began publicly reciting a traditional Catholic midday prayer to her. He first delivered it from the pope’s summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, just outside Rome.

Back at the Vatican, he continued the tradition from a window of the Apostolic Palace, the 16th-century building where the papal apartments are located.

Though Pope Francis broke tradition by living in a Vatican guest house instead of the Apostolic Palace, he maintained the Sunday prayer practice from the palace window.

This blessing has become a cherished chance for ordinary faithful to see the pope relatively up close. Since the papacy of St. John Paul II (1978–2005), popes have often added brief reflections on world events or messages of peace.

When a pope misses the weekly appearance — as Francis did earlier this year during hospitalization — it makes global headlines.

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV will deliver his first Sunday prayer on Mother’s Day, celebrated in both Italy and the United States.

The Prayer to Mary

The Angelus is a short traditional prayer to Mary that many Catholics recite daily. Often prayed before Mass, it is traditionally accompanied by the tolling of bells at dawn, midday, and evening. It reflects the moment the Archangel Gabriel told Mary she would become the mother of God, and she accepted.

The prayer’s first line, “The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,” is followed by the faithful’s response, “And she conceived of the Holy Spirit,” and then a Hail Mary.

During Eastertide — the 50-day season from Easter Sunday to Pentecost — the Angelus is replaced with the Regina Coeli (“Queen of Heaven”), which rejoices in Christ’s resurrection.

Memorable Sunday Prayer Moments

• In 2005, a frail St. John Paul II made his last Sunday appearance from his hospital window just weeks before his death. He did not speak but blessed the crowd with an olive branch.

• In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI gave his final Sunday blessing before resigning — the first pope in 600 years to do so — reassuring the faithful of his continued prayers.

• At his first Angelus in 2013, Pope Francis introduced a central theme of his papacy: mercy. “A bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just,” he said.

• In recent years, Francis has used the blessings to call for peace, especially in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza. He often ends with the informal: “Have a good lunch.”