Plenary Indulgence Question

[Ancilla Domini]

Can one receive a plenary indulgence when the Holy See is vacant? One of the requirements to receive a plenary indulgence is to pray for the pope and his intentions.

[cappie]

In 2005 the Apostolic Penitentiary responded to a question about these matters, saying:

 

Even though the Apostolic See is vacant, the conditions of praying for the intention of the Supreme Pontiff are fulfilled (by reciting once the “Our Father” and the “Hail Mary” once; nevertheless, the opportunity is also given to the individual faithful to recite another prayer which pleases them according to the piety and devotion of each one), even if he has fulfilled the duty of his life, since the ends of the Pope’s intention, the ends for which one must pray–undoubtedly the spiritual good of the whole Church — persist.