Newlywed couples blessing during Pope Francis audience

The Sposi Novelli blessing is a special blessing given by the Pope to newlywed couples. The custom is believed to have started during the reign of Pope Pius XII. Newlywed couples (sposi novelli) married in the Catholic Church who would like to attend a Wednesday audience of the Holy Father may often sit in a special section at the Audience. To qualify, couples should be married within 2 months of the audience they wish to attend and carry with them a copy of the Sacramental Marriage Certificate signed by the priest or deacon who celebrated the wedding. To be permitted to sit in the sposi novelli section, the couple needs to wear their wedding attire (or something similar). You can also wear a traditional wedding attire from your cuture. The Holy Father will bless you for a happy wedded life when he gives his general blessing at the conclusion of the Papal audience. Occasionally, some couples also have the opportunity to greet the Holy Father personally after the Audience.