How to Gain a Plenary Indulgence During the Coronavirus Pandemic, According to the Vatican

The Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary announced an opportunity for a plenary indulgence during the current coronavirus pandemic.

According to the decree, “the gift of special Indulgences is granted to the faithful suffering from COVID-19 disease, commonly known as Coronavirus, as well as to health care workers, family members, and all those who in any capacity, including through prayer, care for them.”

A Plenary indulgence removes all temporal punishment due to sin, but one must have “a spirit detached from any sin” for it to completely apply.

The faithful who qualify for a plenary indulgence during the coronavirus pandemic:

Those suffering from the coronavirus illness
Those ordered to quarantine themselves due to the virus
Health care workers, family members, and others caring for those with the coronavirus (exposing themselves to contagion)

Do at least one of the following:

Unite yourself spiritually through the media in the celebration of the Holy Mass
Recite the Rosary
Pious practice of the Way of the Cross (or other forms of devotion)
Recite the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and “a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters.”

Also must perform all of the following as soon as possible: (considered the three usual conditions for a plenary indulgence)

Sacramental Confession
Eucharistic communion
Pray for the Pope’s intentions

The faithful not suffering from the coronavirus can:

“Implore the Almighty God for the end of the epidemic, relief for those who are afflicted, and eternal salvation for those whom the Lord has called to Himself.”

In addition to the usual conditions mentioned above for a plenary indulgence, do at least one of the following:

Visit the Blessed Sacrament or go to Eucharistic adoration
Read the Holy Scriptures for at least half an hour
Recite Holy Rosary
Pious exercise of the Way of the Cross
Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Plenary indulgence for those unable to receive Anointing of the Sick:

The decree adds that “the Church prays for those who find themselves unable to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and of the Viaticum, entrusting each and every one to divine Mercy by virtue of the communion of saints and granting the faithful a Plenary Indulgence on the point of death, provided that they are duly disposed and have recited a few prayers during their lifetime (in this case the Church makes up for the three usual conditions required). For the attainment of this indulgence the use of the crucifix or the cross is recommended.”