The Apostolic Pardon: A Gift of Mercy at Life’s End

Introduction

At the hour of our death, the Church, in her motherly love, offers one of her greatest gifts — the Apostolic Pardon. This powerful blessing, imparted by a priest, removes all temporal punishment due to sin, preparing the soul to meet God purified and at peace. It is not a sacrament, but a special indulgence that flows from the infinite treasury of Christ’s merits and the communion of saints.

Theological Background

The Apostolic Pardon is rooted in the Church’s teaching on indulgences, as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1471–1479). While the Sacrament of Confession forgives sins, temporal punishment may still remain due to the justice of God. An indulgence removes this punishment.

The Apostolic Pardon is typically given alongside the Last Rites — which include Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum (Holy Communion as food for the journey). It is a final outpouring of God’s mercy, meant to aid the soul’s passage into eternal life.

“The Church, who through Jesus Christ opens the treasury of God’s mercy, grants indulgences to the faithful for their own sanctification and for the souls in purgatory.” — CCC 1478

How and When It Is Given

The Apostolic Pardon is only administered by a priest — typically at the bedside of the dying. It is usually offered with the Last Rites, ideally after Confession and before receiving Holy Communion. However, even if the dying person is unconscious, the priest may still confer it, trusting in the mercy of God and the person’s prior disposition.

The Church also grants a plenary indulgence at the moment of death to anyone properly disposed who is unable to receive the Apostolic Pardon, if they have been in the habit of daily prayer — even if a priest is not present (Enchiridion Indulgentiarum, n. 12).

Encouragement for the Faithful

Preparing for a holy death is part of the Christian life. Make frequent use of Confession, receive the Eucharist, and pray daily for the grace of final perseverance. Cultivate devotion to Our Lady, the angels, and saints, especially St. Joseph, patron of a happy death.

“A soul who is prepared for death is not troubled by it. It is not death but sin that we should fear.” — St. Alphonsus Liguori

Speak to Your Parish Priest

To learn more about the Apostolic Pardon or to prepare for the Last Rites, speak with your parish priest. Do not delay in setting your heart in order with God. The Church stands ready to help you pass from this life in grace, surrounded by the sacraments and strengthened by this extraordinary blessing.

“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love.” — St. John of the Cross

Prepare today for eternity.

The Text of the Apostolic Pardon

The priest may say one of the following:

“By the authority which the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a full pardon and the remission of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

“Through the holy mysteries of our redemption, may almighty God release you from all punishments in this life and in the life to come. May He open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy. Amen.”

If a Priest is Not Available

In danger of death, a person who is properly disposed (in a state of grace or with perfect contrition) and unable to receive the sacraments, may receive a plenary indulgence at the hour of death, provided they habitually prayed in life. The Church supplies the conditions.

You may pray this:

“Lord Jesus Christ, I accept this death as a penance for my sins and unite it to Your own death. I trust in Your Divine Mercy. Please grant me the Apostolic Pardon and lead me home to You.”

Follow it with:

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give You my heart and my soul.”

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.”

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with You.”

May the holy name of Jesus be your last word, and may His Sacred Heart be your final refuge.