Choose Your Intention

Select the person, cause, or intention for which a candle will be offered.

We Prepare Your Offering

Your request is reverently inscribed and scheduled for lighting at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

A Candle is Blessed

All candles are personally lit by authorized caretakers at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Official Confirmation

You will receive an official confirmation of your candle lighting, inscribed with your name and intention.

For centuries, candles have carried prayers to heaven. Now, even from afar, your light can join those burning in Vatican City

Anywhere in the World

No matter if you're oceans away, your prayer can still find its light. From any corner of the world, you can request a candle to be lit within St. Peter’s Basilica — a timeless act of faith, now within reach.

Lit at St. Peter’s Basilica

The candle is personally kindled by our appointed caretakers within the sacred walls of the Vatican. Your intention is offered in the same holy place where generations have brought their prayers before God.

Select A light that best reflects your prayer

Choose how you wish your intention to shine at the Vatican — for a moment, for a week, or for a year of grace

“The warm candlelight is meant to be a tangible reminder of that greater light that, for and beyond all time, radiates from the figure of Jesus.”

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

“The light of the Resurrection… quietly breaks through the darkness of history and shines in our hearts.”

His Holiness Pope Francis

“It is the strength of great minds and the light of firmly-faithful souls to believe what is not seen.”

His Holiness Pope St. Leo the Great

Vatican Media

Vatican Live
Holy Mass and Angelus
jubilee of Bishops
Opening of the Holy Door
A candle. A prayer.
Lit at the Vatican — in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lighting a candle at St. Peter’s Basilica has long been a gesture of hope, remembrance, and faith. Through Vatican Candle, anyone in the world can take part in this timeless act. Our attendants make a small public offering and activate a candle within the basilica’s chapels, including your prayer or intention in a shared ceremony open to all. The flame symbolizes connection — to God, to loved ones, and to the millions who have prayed beneath the same vaulted light for centuries. For more details please read our

What makes candles “blessed”?

The candle is blessed according to the Roman Rite before being lit, symbolizing Christ’s presence and light in the world. When you take part, you share in that blessing.

Are the candles really lit at the Vatican?

Yes. A blessed candle is lit ceremoniously inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This candle carries the prayers and intentions of all who have made an offerings.

Will I receive proof that my intention was included?

Yes. You’ll receive an email confirmation when your name or intention is added to the candle lighting.

Do I have to be Catholic to participate?

Anyone, regardless of faith or background, is welcome to light a candle and make an offering.

When are the candles lit?

Candles are lit as soon as our authorized attendants are present and available within St. Peter’s Basilica. Because access to sacred spaces varies by schedule and ceremony, the lighting may occur at different times each week — but every intention received is included in the next available lighting.