Pio IX's Address to the City and the World Urbi... Lot 43

Pio IX's Address to the City and the World Urbi et Orbi, San Pietro, April 1st, 1866 Gioacchino Altobelli (1814-1878) Large albumen print, 39,4x 26,5 cm, credit, title and date on mount: “1o Aprile 1866” “The Urbi et Orbi address and blessing is the most solemn form of blessing in the Catholic Church, and is reserved for the most solemn occasions. Urbi et orbi blessings are given from the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, at noontime. The Roman Catholic Church grants a plenary indulgence by the willful grace and intent of the Pope, on the usual conditions, to those who "devoutly receive" the blessing that the Pope imparts Urbi et Orbi.” The photographer caught two young men who did not get the indulgence.