The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis confirmed its decision to extend the deadline to receive a plenary indulgence to the end of the month.

“There is still time this month for a plenary indulgence to be granted to your deceased loved ones! Pope Francis has extended the plenary indulgence through the end of November, usually reserved for the week of Nov. 1-8,” a Facebook post written by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis read. 

Throughout the course of the week of All Souls, the Church grants indulgences for people who pray in cemeteries. Pope Francis’s decision to extend the final date has prompted the establishment to offer the indulgences throughout the entirety of the month to avoid crowding at cemeteries.

To attain an indulgence, believers are encouraged to visit a cemetery and pray the Our Father, the Creed and the Eternal Rest Prayer. According to Catholic, the participant does not need to present proof of having a buried loved one at the location. 

Other requirements include being in a state of grace, receiving a holy communion and a prayer for the pope, among others. Sick and homebound individuals are also eligible for the plenary indulgence. 

Plenary indulgences can be attained through specific actions and help reduce the time spent in purgatory, which Catholics believe the majority of souls go to. The supporting bible verse for the belief is 2 Maccabees, 12:26 and 12:32.