Appendix: On the Apostolic Blessing at the Article of Death

708. The apostolic blessing, or general absolution, as it is customarily called, must also be granted to the dying to whom the sacraments are ministered, and can be granted by any priest, according to can. 468, § 2: "to the priest who assists the sick there is the faculty of granting them the Apostolic Blessing with plenary indulgence at the article of death according to the form handed down by approved liturgical books, which blessing he is not to omit imparting."

Therefore under the name of general absolution comes the plenary indulgence which the Supreme Pontiff, by himself or through delegates, imparts to the dying under the form of a blessing: under this respect it is wholly distinguished from the plenary indulgence which, without any blessing, can be gained at the article of death either by those who have with them a blessed or pious object (for example, a cross or tablet), to be carried with them or in the room until death, to which an apostolic indulgence is annexed; or by members of a confraternity to which such a privilege has been conceded.

General absolution can be granted to all adults, or those capable of malice, constituted in grave danger, even from a cause other than disease, who have sought it or probably would have sought it, or have given signs of contrition; - but the indulgence remains suspended and does not obtain its effect except in the true and physical article of death. And therefore it neither should nor can be repeated or given under several titles in the same infirmity however long-lasting, since this is wholly useless, even if afterward the dying person has fallen into a new mortal sin; - but it is only to be repeated if the sick person has recovered and afterward has fallen into a new danger (S. C. Indg., Sept. 24, 1838; Mar. 12, 1855; Feb. 12, 1842).

The conditions required in the sick person for gaining it, from the bull of Benedict XIV, Pia mater, Apr. 5, 1747, are:

a) That he not be excommunicated or manifestly impenitent; but if he is doubtfully disposed, the apostolic blessing should be granted whenever sacramental absolution or Extreme Unction is given, even only under condition.

b) That he have received the sacrament of Penance and the Eucharist, if he can; but if he cannot, the state of grace suffices while he gives forth his last breath.

c) That he offer himself as prepared for accepting whatever shall have pleased God, and for patiently undergoing death itself in satisfaction for the punishments which he himself has deserved by sinning.

d) That he devoutly invoke the Most Holy name of Jesus by mouth if he can, otherwise in heart; and that he elicit an act of sorrow and charity.

The aforesaid indulgence cannot be applied to the dead.