“To Rome and to the World,” or “Urbi et Orbi,” is the beginning of a blessing the Pope gives before Easter or Christmas. This blessing is broadcasted throughout the world for other Catholics so they can watch it on television or listen to it on the radio. The end of the blessing is et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper which means and may the blessing of Almighty God, the Son and the Holy Spirit, descend on you and remain with you always.
He is blessing, not only the city, but the whole world. In the Catholic encyclopedia, it says that this blessing is only given on Easter, Christmas, and when a new Pope I crowned. He is the leader of all Catholics. According to Wikipedia, Catholics recognize the Pope as a successor to Saint Peter, whom, according to the Bible, Jesus named as the “shepherd” or “rock” of the Church. So he lives in Rome, but he is the leader all over the world.
Early Popes spread Christianity, but the also had some secular power. For centuries, the Pope had political supremacy over the entire former Western Roman Empire. And in medieval times, popes played powerful roles in Western Europe, often struggling with monarchs for control over the wide-ranging affairs of church and state. (Wikipedia)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Good job translating the italian. I dont know if id always trust wikipedia though. Keep on keepin on.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, well done. Did the excursions to the Vatican contribute to your understanding?
ReplyDeleteAndrea,
ReplyDeleteGreat Job! I did not know that they did this blessing when a new Pope is crowned. I think wikipedia is a legit source. They have people monitoring the website so if someone does put false information up they correct it.