The
Urbi et Orbi (to the
City and the
World) is a
papal
document addressed to the City of
Rome and the entire
Catholic
world. Historically, the
Pope would address the
Urbi et Orbi
from the
balcony of the chief
basilicas in Rome. This
blessing was given annually from the
Saint Peter on
Holy
Thursday, on the feasts of
Peter and
Paul; from
Saint John Lateran on
Ascension, and from
Saint
Mary Major on
Assumption. It was also imparted during the
crowning
and
enthroning of a Pope, during a
Holy Year, a
Jubilee, or for
the benefit of
pilgrims.
Nowadays, the Urbi et Orbi blessing is given annually from
the Saint Peter on Easter, Christmas, New Year and on special
occasions.