A USCCB news release has brought attention to a Vatican News editorial that claims the distinction between “liturgical” and “non-liturgical” blessing has a precedent in the papacy of Benedict XVI.
From the USCCB article: “In an editorial for Vatican News published Feb. 27, Andrea Tornielli, editorial director of the Dicastery for Communication, cited a distinction drawn between ‘liturgical’ and ‘non-liturgical’ blessings in a document released in 2000 on prayers for people who are sick signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict, and approved by St. John Paul II.”
Find the full USCCB news release here and the original Vatican News editorial here.