In a decree issued today by the Apostolic Penitentiary, Pope Francis has granted an indulgence to all who participate in the 28th World Youth Day celebrations which will be held in Rio de Janeiro this month. The decree was signed by Cardinal Manuel Monteiro de Castro, the Major Penitentiary, along with Bishop Krysztof Nykiel, regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, «an indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.»
A plenary indulgence will also be granted for those cannot attend World Youth Day. “The faithful who on account of a legitimate impediment cannot attend the aforementioned celebrations may obtain Plenary Indulgence under the usual spiritual, sacramental and prayer conditions, in a spirit of filial submission to the Roman Pontiff, by participation in the sacred functions on the days indicated, following the same rites and spiritual exercises as they occur via television or radio or, with due devotion, via the new means of social communication,” the decree states.
The decree also grants a partial indulgence for those who, “with a contrite heart” who pray for youth during the time of the celebrations. The prayers should conclude ”with the official prayer of the World Youth Day and invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Brazil, with the title “Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Aparecida” as well as other patrons and intercessors of the same meeting, that they may encourage the young to reinforce their faith and lead a holy life.”
