-Terms and Conditions-
support@vaticancandle..com
Last Updated: April 8, 2026
By completing a purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions:
1.Service Description
Vatican Candle is an independent devotional facilitation service. A portion of each ceremonial lighting includes a public votive offering placed within the chapels of St. Peter's Basilica, in keeping with the traditional devotional practice observed by visitors to the basilica. These offerings are received by the basilica and support its operation and ministry. The balance of each purchase covers the Company's operational costs, including staff, technology, and the infrastructure required to carry patron intentions faithfully into ceremony. We arrange for prayer intentions submitted by our patrons to be carried into collective candle-lighting ceremonies conducted within the publicly accessible chapels of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The service is devotional and symbolic in nature. Each ceremony is performed by an attendant acting on behalf of our patrons, who makes an offering and activates an electric candle in the traditional manner practiced by visitors to the basilica. All patron intentions received since the prior ceremony are aggregated and incorporated into a single collective ceremonial lighting. There are no individual candle lightings, and purchasers do not acquire ownership of any physical candle, private ceremony, or exclusive rights to any particular flame. Collective ceremonies are conducted at the Company's sole discretion. The Company anticipates conducting ceremonies approximately once per year, though ceremonies may occur less frequently — including as infrequently as once every five (5) years or longer — or may be postponed indefinitely based on access and circumstance. No guarantee is made that any ceremony will occur within any specific timeframe, and purchasers acknowledge that years may pass between the date of purchase and the date of any ceremony incorporating their intention. What the purchaser acquires is a defined period of devotional remembrance, during which their name and intention are held by the Company for inclusion in the next available collective ceremony. The duration associated with each offering tier (weekly, monthly, yearly) refers to this period of remembrance and intercessory coverage — not to the burn time of any physical or electric candle. By completing a purchase, the purchaser consents to the storage and ceremonial use of their submitted name and intention, and represents that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.
2. Independence and Operation
Vatican Candle is an independent devotional facilitation service, privately held and operated. We conduct our ceremonies within the publicly accessible chapels of St. Peter's Basilica in accordance with the basilica's traditional devotional practices, which welcome visitors of all backgrounds to make offerings and light electric candles as a symbolic act of prayer and remembrance. We are not owned by, operated by, or formally affiliated with the Holy See, the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican, or any ecclesiastical body or entity within Vatican City. We do not act on behalf of these institutions. Beyond the public votive offerings made during our ceremonial lightings — which are placed in the chapels of St. Peter's Basilica in keeping with traditional devotional practice — no portion of our revenue constitutes a donation, tithe, or direct financial contribution to these institutions. Patrons wishing to make direct contributions to the Church or its charitable works are encouraged to do so through official channels established by those institutions. Our service exists to make a traditional devotional act — one available to any person who visits the basilica in person — accessible to those who cannot travel to Rome themselves. The ceremonial recitation of purchaser names is conducted as a traditional intercessory practice, lifting each individual to prayerful remembrance. By completing a purchase, the purchaser expressly consents to having their name included in a collective devotional ceremony within St. Peter's Basilica. Purchasers who do not wish to have their name recited may contact the Company prior to the next scheduled ceremony to request exclusion. Such requests shall be honored on a reasonable-efforts basis but shall not entitle the purchaser to any refund. We approach this responsibility with reverence for the sacred space in which we operate and respect for the faith of those we serve.
3. Authorized Lighting and Timing
Ceremonial lightings are performed exclusively by authorized attendants of the Company when access to the designated chapels is available. As access schedules may vary, lightings are not guaranteed to occur weekly, monthly, or at any regular interval. Each validly received intention will be incorporated into the next available group ceremony. The Company reserves sole discretion over the scheduling and frequency of all ceremonies.
4. Offering Tiers and Duration of Devotional Coverage
The Company offers devotional services at various tiers, each representing a period of spiritual remembrance and intercessory coverage. The duration associated with each tier (e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly) refers exclusively to the length of time during which the purchaser's intention remains under active devotional remembrance by the Company. It does not refer to the duration any physical or electric candle remains illuminated. Blessed Candle (Single Offering): The purchaser's name and intention are included in one collective ceremony. Devotional coverage extends through that single ceremonial act. A Week of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of seven (7) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. A Month of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. A Year of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. The Company makes no representation or warranty that any ceremony will occur during a given coverage period. If no ceremony is conducted during a purchaser's coverage period, the purchaser shall not be entitled to any refund, as the service provided is devotional remembrance, not guaranteed ceremonial participation. Purchasers acquire a period of spiritual coverage and intercessory remembrance—not perpetual or continuous candle illumination, nor any guarantee of ceremonial frequency.
5. Nature of Purchase
Purchasers acknowledge that they are not purchasing: (a) a physical candle; (b) a private or individualized lighting; (c) a continuously burning flame; (d) a ceremony conducted at any specific time or date; or (e) any guarantee that a candle will remain lit for the duration indicated by the offering tier.
Purchasers are purchasing: (a) inclusion of their prayer intention in a communal, electric-candle devotional ceremony conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; (b) recitation of their name during such ceremony; and (c) a defined period of devotional remembrance as specified by the selected offering tier.
All ceremonies involve electric candles, in accordance with the basilica's public devotional practices. Throughout these Terms and Conditions, as well as in all Company marketing materials, product descriptions, and communications, the term "light" — including but not limited to references such as "A Week of Light," "A Month of Light," and "A Year of Light" — refers to prayer, intention, and spiritual devotion. It does not refer to the illumination of any physical or electric candle, nor does it imply that any candle shall remain lit for any specified duration. The use of "light" is symbolic and devotional in nature, consistent with the scriptural and liturgical tradition in which light represents faith, hope, and the presence of God.As used herein and in all Company materials, the term "light" refers to prayer, intention, and devotional remembrance — not to the illumination or burn time of any candle. References to "A Week of Light," "A Month of Light," or "A Year of Light" denote periods of spiritual coverage, not candle duration.
6. Proof of Inclusion
Upon order completion, purchasers will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt of their order and inclusion in devotional remembrance for the applicable coverage period. Delivery of such confirmation may be affected by factors outside the Company's control, including spam filtering or incorrect email addresses. Email confirmation constitutes the sole proof of purchase and devotional coverage. The Company does not provide individual notification upon completion of any specific ceremony.
7. Payment, Pricing, and Renewals
All prices are stated in United States Dollars (USD) unless expressly indicated otherwise. Payment is due at the time of order placement. The Company reserves the right to modify pricing or service offerings at any time without prior notice. Subscription-based plans, if offered, renew automatically until canceled by the purchaser. It is the purchaser's responsibility to cancel prior to the renewal date if they do not wish to continue.
8. Refunds and Cancellations
Because each order initiates a period of devotional remembrance immediately upon purchase, all sales are final. Refunds will be issued solely in the event of a verified technical error, including duplicate charges. No refund shall be issued based on the timing, frequency, or occurrence of ceremonies, as the primary service is devotional remembrance, which commences immediately upon purchase.
9. Appropriate Use
Purchasers shall not submit any names or messages that are unlawful, defamatory, obscene, hateful, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate. Impersonation of any individual or interference with the operation of the Company's services is strictly prohibited. The Company reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject or refuse any submission that violates these standards, and to refuse service to any individual without refund.
10. Privacy and Data Use
The Company collects and processes personal information — including names, contact details, and submitted prayer intentions — solely for the purposes of administering offerings, sending confirmations, conducting ceremonial recitation and devotional acts, and maintaining operational integrity. Purchaser names and intentions may be spoken aloud or silently honored during collective ceremonies conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; such use constitutes an integral part of the service and does not represent disclosure to third parties. Personal data shall not be sold, leased, or otherwise disclosed to third parties except as required by law or necessary to perform the contracted service. The Company implements reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect purchaser information but cannot guarantee absolute security against unauthorized access or breach.
Data Retention. Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in these Terms, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Devotional records, including names and intentions, may be retained indefinitely for archival and ceremonial purposes consistent with the nature of the service.
International Users. If you access the services from outside the United States, please review Section 29 (International Users and GDPR Compliance) for additional terms applicable to your jurisdiction.
California Residents. Please review Section 30 (California Consumer Disclosures) for additional terms applicable to California residents.
11. Intellectual Property
All textual content, imagery, audiovisual materials, trademarks, trade dress, and other proprietary elements displayed on the Company’s website or within its communications are the exclusive property of Vatican Candle or its licensors. No reproduction, modification, or distribution of such materials is permitted without prior written authorization.
12. Limitation of Liability
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT THAT CEREMONIES WILL OCCUR AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME, FREQUENCY, OR INTERVAL, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPECTATIONS OF SPIRITUAL BENEFIT, PERCEIVED DIVINE OUTCOMES, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, OR LOSS OF FAITH.IN ALL CASES, THE COMPANY'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE IN QUESTION.THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH ANY CLAIM IS BASED, INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
13. No Guarantee of Spiritual Outcome
The Company makes no representations or warranties regarding specific spiritual results, divine intercession, miraculous effects, answered prayers, or any particular outcome of any nature. Participation constitutes a voluntary act of personal faith and devotion. The purchaser assumes all risk regarding their spiritual expectations.
14. Force Majeure
The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, war, terrorism, government actions, closure of St. Peter's Basilica, restricted access to the Vatican, travel disruptions, or any other event that prevents or delays the conduct of ceremonies.
15. Entire Agreement
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the purchaser and the Company regarding the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written.
16. Governing Law and Venue
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of America, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought exclusively before the state or federal courts located within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, which shall have sole jurisdiction over such matters.
17. Waiver of Class Action
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PURCHASER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION AGAINST THE COMPANY. ANY DISPUTE SHALL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY.
18. Age and Capacity to Contract
By completing a purchase, the purchaser represents and warrants that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement under the laws of their jurisdiction. Purchases made by individuals under the age of eighteen (18) must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, who shall be bound by these Terms on behalf of themselves and the minor. The Company reserves the right to cancel any order and refuse service if it has reason to believe the purchaser lacks the legal capacity to contract.
19. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, shall be severed from these Terms. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
20. Indemnification
The purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vatican Candle, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:(a) the purchaser's use of or participation in the service;(b) any content, name, intention, or message submitted by the purchaser, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, or infringement of third-party rights;(c) the purchaser's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Terms;(d) any dispute between the purchaser and a third party relating to the service; or(e) any violation of applicable law by the purchaser. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of these Terms and the completion of any service.
21. No Waiver
No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right, power, or remedy under these Terms shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power, or remedy. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or equity.
22. Dispute Resolution and Notice Requirement
Prior to initiating any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the services provided hereunder, the purchaser must first provide written notice to the Company describing the nature of the dispute and the relief sought.
Such notice must be sent via email to support@vaticancandle.com or by certified mail to the Company's mailing address of record.Upon receipt of such notice, the Company shall have sixty (60) days to attempt to resolve the dispute informally.
The purchaser agrees to participate in good faith in any such resolution efforts. If the dispute is not resolved within the sixty (60) day period, either party may proceed with formal legal action in accordance with Section 16 (Governing Law and Venue) of these Terms. No legal proceeding may be commenced until the foregoing notice and cure period has been completed. Any claim brought without compliance with this shall be subject to dismissal without prejudice.
23. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
If a purchaser initiates a chargeback, payment dispute, or reversal of payment through their credit card issuer, bank, or payment processor, the Company reserves the right to:(a) suspend or terminate the purchaser's devotional coverage immediately upon notice of the dispute;(b) contest the chargeback and provide documentation supporting the validity of the transaction;(c) pursue collection of the disputed amount through lawful means, including but not limited to referral to a collections agency or initiation of legal proceedings;(d) recover from the purchaser any fees, costs, or expenses incurred by the Company as a result of the chargeback, including chargeback fees imposed by payment processors; and(e) permanently ban the purchaser from making future purchases. The purchaser acknowledges that initiating a chargeback does not relieve them of their obligations under these Terms, and that fraudulent or bad-faith chargebacks may constitute theft of services.
24. Gift Purchases and Third-Party Beneficiaries
Purchasers may submit names and intentions on behalf of third parties, including as gifts or memorials. In such cases:(a) The purchaser — not the named individual or intended recipient — is the contracting party and is solely bound by these Terms.(b) All rights regarding refunds, cancellations, disputes, and communications with the Company belong exclusively to the purchaser.(c) The purchaser represents that they have obtained any necessary consent from the named individual to submit their name and have it recited during a collective ceremony, or that the named individual is deceased or otherwise unable to provide such consent.(d) The named individual or recipient shall have no direct claim against the Company and is not a party to these Terms. Except as expressly stated herein, these Terms do not confer any rights, benefits, or remedies upon any person or entity other than the purchaser and the Company. There are no third-party beneficiaries to these Terms.
25. Assignment
The Company may assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense any or all of its rights, obligations, or interests under these Terms, in whole or in part, to any person or entity at any time without notice to or consent from the purchaser. Such assignment may occur in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, reorganization, or any other corporate transaction or for any other reason. The purchaser may not assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense any of their rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of the Company. Any attempted assignment in violation of this Section shall be void and of no effect.
26. Limitation Period for Claims
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, OR THE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES. FAILURE TO BRING SUCH CLAIM WITHIN THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD SHALL RESULT IN THE PERMANENT WAIVER AND FORFEITURE OF SUCH CLAIM. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. For purposes of this Section, a claim shall be deemed to have accrued on the date of the act, omission, or event giving rise to the claim, or if later, the date on which the purchaser knew or reasonably should have known of the facts giving rise to the claim.
27. International Users and GDPR Compliance
The Company's services are operated from the United States. If you access or use the services from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws.
For Users Located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland: The Company processes personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable data protection laws. The following supplemental terms apply:
Legal Basis for Processing. The Company processes personal data on the following legal bases:
Performance of Contract: Processing of names, contact information, and intentions is necessary to perform the service you have purchased.
Legitimate Interests: Processing for fraud prevention, security, and improvement of services.
Consent: Where required, you have consented to the ceremonial recitation of your name.
Data Subject Rights. You have the right to: access the personal data we hold about you; rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal data; request erasure of your personal data, subject to our legal retention obligations; restrict or object to certain processing activities; receive your personal data in a portable format; and withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent. To exercise these rights, contact the Company at support@vaticancandle.com. The Company will respond to verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law.
International Data Transfers. Personal data collected from users in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland may be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may not provide the same level of data protection as your home jurisdiction. By using the services, you consent to such transfers. The Company implements appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses where applicable, to protect transferred data.
Data Retention. Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in these Terms, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Devotional records may be retained indefinitely for archival and ceremonial purposes.
Supervisory Authority. If you are located in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.
28. California Consumer Disclosures
For Users Located in California: Automatic Renewal Disclosures (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600 et seq.)The Company offers subscription-based devotional services that renew automatically, including the Eternal Light Program described in Section 29 of these Terms. The following disclosures apply to all automatically renewing subscriptions offered by the Company:Eternal Light Program — Specific Disclosure:Subscription Name: Eternal Light ProgramRecurring Charge: Eighteen United States dollars ($18.00 USD) per monthBilling Frequency: Monthly, charged on the anniversary date of initial enrollment
Automatic Renewal: The Eternal Light subscription renews automatically each month and will continue to renew at the then-current rate until canceled by the subscriberMinimum Commitment: None. Subscribers may cancel at any timeCancellation Method: Subscribers may cancel at any time by sending an email request to support@vaticancandle.com from the email address associated with the subscriptionEffect of Cancellation: Cancellation takes effect at the conclusion of the then-current billing period. The subscriber will continue to receive devotional remembrance through the end of the paid period, after which no further charges will be made. No partial refunds are issued for unused portions of any billing period
Refund Policy: All subscription payments are final upon processing. Refunds are issued only in cases of verified technical error, such as duplicate charges
Rate Changes: The Company reserves the right to modify the subscription rate upon reasonable advance notice to active subscribers. If the rate is increased, subscribers will be notified in advance and may cancel prior to the effective date of the change to avoid the new rate.
General Automatic Renewal Terms. For any subscription-based service offered by the Company, including the Eternal Light Program: (a) the subscription will continue and the subscriber will be charged the then-current price at each renewal period until the subscription is canceled; (b) subscribers may cancel at any time by contacting the Company at support@vaticancandle.com; (c) cancellation will be effective at the end of the current billing period; (d) no refunds will be provided for partial billing periods; (e) the Company will provide confirmation of the subscription and renewal terms at the time of purchase via email; and (f) for California subscribers, the Company will provide any additional notices required by California law prior to renewal.Acknowledgment of Automatic Renewal Terms. By enrolling in the Eternal Light Program or any other automatically renewing subscription offered by the Company, the California subscriber acknowledges that they have been clearly and conspicuously informed of the automatic renewal terms, the recurring charge amount, the cancellation method, and the refund policy, and expressly consents to these terms as a condition of enrollment.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Notice. California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including: the right to know what categories of personal information the Company collects, uses, discloses, and retains; the right to request deletion of personal information collected by the Company, subject to exceptions permitted under the CCPA; the right to correct inaccurate personal information; the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information; the right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information; and the right to non-discrimination for exercising any of the above rights.The Company does not sell personal information, and does not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising as those terms are defined under the CCPA. To exercise any of your rights under the CCPA, please contact the Company at support@vaticancandle.com.The Company will respond to verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law.
29. Eternal Light Subscription Program
The Eternal Light Program is an ongoing devotional subscription offered by the Company at a recurring rate of eighteen United States dollars ($18.00 USD) per month. By enrolling in the Eternal Light Program, the subscriber authorizes the Company to charge the designated payment method on a monthly recurring basis until such time as the subscription is canceled in accordance with this Section.
Nature of the Eternal Light Program. The Eternal Light Program is a purely symbolic devotional offering. It is an act of continued remembrance and spiritual participation — not a purchase of any tangible good, reserved placement, guaranteed lighting, or ongoing physical service. Subscribers expressly acknowledge and agree to the following:(a) No candle is kept continuously lit. The Company does not maintain, reserve, or operate any physical or electric candle on behalf of any subscriber, at any time, whether within St. Peter's Basilica or elsewhere. No flame, light, or physical object is held in dedicated or perpetual illumination as part of this Program.(b) No reserved placement or spot. Enrollment in the Eternal Light Program does not confer any reserved position, priority placement, dedicated space, named inclusion, or guaranteed slot within any ceremony, chapel, registry, or devotional act. The Program does not function as a spot-holder, placeholder, memorial reservation, or any form of continuous dedicated presence within the basilica.(c)
What the Program provides. The Eternal Light Program provides continuous devotional remembrance by the Company for so long as the subscription remains active. The subscriber's name and intention are held by the Company and incorporated into each collective candle-lighting ceremony conducted during the period of active subscription, in the same manner as described in Sections 1 and 4 of these Terms. Collective ceremonies are conducted at the Company's sole discretion and may occur infrequently, as described elsewhere in these Terms.(d) Symbolic and devotional in nature. The Eternal Light Program is offered, and is to be understood, as a symbolic act of ongoing devotion and faithful remembrance. It is not a service contract for the provision of any physical item, ongoing ceremonial performance, or specific spiritual outcome. Subscribers participate voluntarily as an expression of personal faith and devotion.
Automatic Renewal. The Eternal Light subscription renews automatically each month and will continue to renew until canceled by the subscriber. The subscriber will be charged the then-current subscription rate at each renewal. The Company reserves the right to modify the subscription rate upon reasonable advance notice to active subscribers.
Cancellation. Subscribers may cancel the Eternal Light Program at any time by sending a cancellation request via email to support@vaticancandle.com from the email address associated with the subscription. Cancellation will be processed within a reasonable period following receipt of the request and will take effect at the conclusion of the then-current billing period. The subscriber will continue to receive devotional remembrance through the end of the paid period, after which no further charges will be made. No partial refunds shall be issued for unused portions of any billing period.
No Refunds. Consistent with Section 8 (Refunds and Cancellations), all Eternal Light subscription payments are final upon processing. Because devotional remembrance commences immediately upon each monthly renewal, no refunds shall be issued for completed billing periods, regardless of the timing, frequency, or occurrence of ceremonies during such period. Refunds shall be issued solely in the event of a verified technical error, including duplicate charges.
Termination by the Company. The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate any Eternal Light subscription at its sole discretion, including but not limited to cases of payment failure, chargeback, violation of these Terms, or submission of inappropriate content. Termination by the Company shall not entitle the subscriber to any refund of prior payments.
30. Electronic Communications Consent (E-SIGN Act)
By completing a purchase, the purchaser expressly consents to receive all communications, notices, confirmations, disclosures, agreements, and other records from the Company in electronic form, including by email to the address provided at the time of purchase. The purchaser agrees that electronic delivery of such records satisfies any legal requirement that such communications be provided in writing.
The purchaser acknowledges that they have the hardware and software necessary to access and retain electronic communications, including a working email address, internet access, and the ability to read PDF documents. The purchaser may withdraw consent to electronic communications by contacting the Company at support@vaticancandle.com, though doing so may result in the Company's inability to continue providing the service.
It is the purchaser's responsibility to maintain an accurate and current email address on file with the Company and to ensure that Company communications are not blocked by spam filters. The Company is not responsible for undelivered communications resulting from inaccurate contact information or filtering by the purchaser's email provider.
31. Religious Services Disclaimer
The Company is not a church, religious order, ministry, or ecclesiastical body, and does not hold itself out as such. The Company does not provide, and nothing in the service shall be construed as providing: (a) sacramental acts recognized by the Roman Catholic Church or any other religious body; (b) clerical, pastoral, or priestly services; (c) spiritual direction, religious counseling, or pastoral care; (d) confession, absolution, blessing, or any sacrament; or (e) the services of an ordained minister, priest, deacon, or religious.The Company's employees, attendants, and contractors are not ordained clergy and do not act in any clerical or ministerial capacity. The ceremonial acts facilitated by the Company are symbolic devotional acts of the same nature performed by lay visitors to St. Peter's Basilica and do not constitute the performance of any religious sacrament or rite.Purchasers seeking sacramental services, spiritual direction, or pastoral care are encouraged to contact their local parish, diocese, or religious community directly.
32. International Compliance and Sanctions
The Company's services are available only to individuals who are legally permitted to purchase such services under the laws of their jurisdiction and under United States law. The purchaser represents and warrants that they are not: (a) located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any country subject to comprehensive sanctions administered by the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC); (b) identified on any United States government list of prohibited or restricted parties, including the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals List; or (c) otherwise prohibited by applicable law from purchasing the services.The Company reserves the right to refuse service, cancel orders, or terminate accounts held by individuals in violation of this Section, and to report such violations to appropriate government authorities as required by law. Purchasers are solely responsible for ensuring that their use of the service complies with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction.
33. Taxes
All prices quoted by the Company are exclusive of any applicable sales tax, use tax, value-added tax (VAT), goods and services tax (GST), or other taxes imposed by any taxing authority. Where the Company is required by law to collect such taxes, they will be added to the purchase price at the time of checkout. In all other cases, the purchaser is solely responsible for determining and remitting any taxes owed in connection with their purchase, and the Company shall have no liability for the purchaser's failure to do so.
34. Deceased Persons and Memorial Submissions
Purchasers may submit the names of deceased individuals for inclusion in devotional remembrance as memorials. By submitting the name of a deceased individual, the purchaser represents that: (a) they have a good-faith personal or familial connection to the deceased that justifies the submission; (b) the submission is made with respectful intent and does not violate any right of publicity, privacy, or other legal right held by the deceased's estate or surviving family members; and (c) the purchaser accepts full responsibility for any dispute arising from the submission.The Company reserves the right to refuse or remove any memorial submission at its sole discretion, including submissions involving public figures, historical persons, or individuals where the Company has reason to believe the submission may be disputed by surviving family members or estate representatives. The removal of a memorial submission shall not entitle the purchaser to any refund.
35. No Agency, Partnership, or Employment
Nothing in these Terms shall be construed as creating any agency, partnership, joint venture, employment, franchise, or fiduciary relationship between the purchaser and the Company. The purchaser has no authority to bind the Company in any manner, to act on behalf of the Company, or to make any representations about the Company to third parties.
36. Notices to Purchaser
Any notice required or permitted to be given by the Company to the purchaser under these Terms may be delivered by electronic mail to the email address associated with the purchaser's most recent order, and such notice shall be deemed received on the date of transmission. It is the purchaser's responsibility to maintain a current and accurate email address on file with the Company.
37. Survival
The following provisions shall survive the termination, cancellation, or expiration of these Terms or any service provided hereunder: Section 10 (Privacy and Data Use), Section 11 (Intellectual Property), Section 12 (Limitation of Liability), Section 13 (No Guarantee of Spiritual Outcome), Section 16 (Governing Law and Venue), Section 17 (Waiver of Class Action), Section 20 (Indemnification), Section 22 (Dispute Resolution), Section 23 (Chargebacks and Payment Disputes), Section 26 (Limitation Period for Claims), Section 31 (Religious Services Disclaimer), Section 32 (International Compliance and Sanctions), Section 38 (Language and Translation), and any other provision that by its nature is intended to survive termination.
38. Language and Translation
These Terms are executed in the English language. Any translation of these Terms provided for the convenience of non-English speakers is for reference only. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the English version and any translation, the English version shall control.
39. Third-Party Payment Processors
Payment for services is processed by third-party payment processors, including but not limited to Stripe, Inc. The Company does not store or process credit card or banking information directly. By providing payment information, the purchaser agrees to the terms of service and privacy policies of the applicable payment processor. The Company is not responsible for errors, delays, or security incidents caused by third-party payment processors.
40. Modifications to Terms
The Company reserves the right to amend or update these Terms at any time. Revised Terms shall become effective immediately upon posting to the Company's website. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of any modifications. It is the purchaser's responsibility to review these Terms periodically.
By completing a purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Vatican Candle
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
Vatican Candle is an independent devotional facilitation service. A portion of each ceremonial lighting includes a public votive offering placed within the chapels of St. Peter's Basilica, in keeping with the traditional devotional practice observed by visitors to the basilica. These offerings are received by the basilica and support its operation and ministry. The balance of each purchase covers the Company's operational costs, including staff, technology, and the infrastructure required to carry patron intentions faithfully into ceremony. We arrange for prayer intentions submitted by our patrons to be carried into collective candle-lighting ceremonies conducted within the publicly accessible chapels of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The service is devotional and symbolic in nature. Each ceremony is performed by an attendant acting on behalf of our patrons, who makes an offering and activates an electric candle in the traditional manner practiced by visitors to the basilica. All patron intentions received since the prior ceremony are aggregated and incorporated into a single collective ceremonial lighting. There are no individual candle lightings, and purchasers do not acquire ownership of any physical candle, private ceremony, or exclusive rights to any particular flame. Collective ceremonies are conducted at the Company's sole discretion. The Company anticipates conducting ceremonies approximately once per year, though ceremonies may occur less frequently — including as infrequently as once every five (5) years or longer — or may be postponed indefinitely based on access and circumstance. No guarantee is made that any ceremony will occur within any specific timeframe, and purchasers acknowledge that years may pass between the date of purchase and the date of any ceremony incorporating their intention. What the purchaser acquires is a defined period of devotional remembrance, during which their name and intention are held by the Company for inclusion in the next available collective ceremony. The duration associated with each offering tier (weekly, monthly, yearly) refers to this period of remembrance and intercessory coverage — not to the burn time of any physical or electric candle. By completing a purchase, the purchaser consents to the storage and ceremonial use of their submitted name and intention, and represents that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.
2. Independence and Operation
Vatican Candle is an independent devotional facilitation service, privately held and operated. We conduct our ceremonies within the publicly accessible chapels of St. Peter's Basilica in accordance with the basilica's traditional devotional practices, which welcome visitors of all backgrounds to make offerings and light electric candles as a symbolic act of prayer and remembrance. We are not owned by, operated by, or formally affiliated with the Holy See, the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican, or any ecclesiastical body or entity within Vatican City. We do not act on behalf of these institutions. Beyond the public votive offerings made during our ceremonial lightings — which are placed in the chapels of St. Peter's Basilica in keeping with traditional devotional practice — no portion of our revenue constitutes a donation, tithe, or direct financial contribution to these institutions. Patrons wishing to make direct contributions to the Church or its charitable works are encouraged to do so through official channels established by those institutions. Our service exists to make a traditional devotional act — one available to any person who visits the basilica in person — accessible to those who cannot travel to Rome themselves. The ceremonial recitation of purchaser names is conducted as a traditional intercessory practice, lifting each individual to prayerful remembrance. By completing a purchase, the purchaser expressly consents to having their name included in a collective devotional ceremony within St. Peter's Basilica. Purchasers who do not wish to have their name recited may contact the Company prior to the next scheduled ceremony to request exclusion. Such requests shall be honored on a reasonable-efforts basis but shall not entitle the purchaser to any refund. We approach this responsibility with reverence for the sacred space in which we operate and respect for the faith of those we serve.
3. Authorized Lighting and Timing
Ceremonial lightings are performed exclusively by authorized attendants of the Company when access to the designated chapels is available. As access schedules may vary, lightings are not guaranteed to occur weekly, monthly, or at any regular interval. Each validly received intention will be incorporated into the next available group ceremony. The Company reserves sole discretion over the scheduling and frequency of all ceremonies.
4. Offering Tiers and Duration of Devotional Coverage
The Company offers devotional services at various tiers, each representing a period of spiritual remembrance and intercessory coverage. The duration associated with each tier (e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly) refers exclusively to the length of time during which the purchaser's intention remains under active devotional remembrance by the Company. It does not refer to the duration any physical or electric candle remains illuminated. Blessed Candle (Single Offering): The purchaser's name and intention are included in one collective ceremony. Devotional coverage extends through that single ceremonial act. A Week of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of seven (7) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. A Month of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. A Year of Light: The purchaser's name and intention remain under devotional remembrance for a period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the date of purchase. The purchaser's name shall be included in any collective ceremonies conducted during this period. The Company makes no representation or warranty that any ceremony will occur during a given coverage period. If no ceremony is conducted during a purchaser's coverage period, the purchaser shall not be entitled to any refund, as the service provided is devotional remembrance, not guaranteed ceremonial participation. Purchasers acquire a period of spiritual coverage and intercessory remembrance—not perpetual or continuous candle illumination, nor any guarantee of ceremonial frequency.
5. Nature of Purchase
Purchasers acknowledge that they are not purchasing: (a) a physical candle; (b) a private or individualized lighting; (c) a continuously burning flame; (d) a ceremony conducted at any specific time or date; or (e) any guarantee that a candle will remain lit for the duration indicated by the offering tier.
Purchasers are purchasing: (a) inclusion of their prayer intention in a communal, electric-candle devotional ceremony conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; (b) recitation of their name during such ceremony; and (c) a defined period of devotional remembrance as specified by the selected offering tier.
All ceremonies involve electric candles, in accordance with the basilica's public devotional practices. Throughout these Terms and Conditions, as well as in all Company marketing materials, product descriptions, and communications, the term "light" — including but not limited to references such as "A Week of Light," "A Month of Light," and "A Year of Light" — refers to prayer, intention, and spiritual devotion. It does not refer to the illumination of any physical or electric candle, nor does it imply that any candle shall remain lit for any specified duration. The use of "light" is symbolic and devotional in nature, consistent with the scriptural and liturgical tradition in which light represents faith, hope, and the presence of God.As used herein and in all Company materials, the term "light" refers to prayer, intention, and devotional remembrance — not to the illumination or burn time of any candle. References to "A Week of Light," "A Month of Light," or "A Year of Light" denote periods of spiritual coverage, not candle duration.
6. Proof of Inclusion
Upon order completion, purchasers will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt of their order and inclusion in devotional remembrance for the applicable coverage period. Delivery of such confirmation may be affected by factors outside the Company's control, including spam filtering or incorrect email addresses. Email confirmation constitutes the sole proof of purchase and devotional coverage. The Company does not provide individual notification upon completion of any specific ceremony.
7. Payment, Pricing, and Renewals
All prices are stated in United States Dollars (USD) unless expressly indicated otherwise. Payment is due at the time of order placement. The Company reserves the right to modify pricing or service offerings at any time without prior notice. Subscription-based plans, if offered, renew automatically until canceled by the purchaser. It is the purchaser's responsibility to cancel prior to the renewal date if they do not wish to continue.
8. Refunds and Cancellations
Because each order initiates a period of devotional remembrance immediately upon purchase, all sales are final. Refunds will be issued solely in the event of a verified technical error, including duplicate charges. No refund shall be issued based on the timing, frequency, or occurrence of ceremonies, as the primary service is devotional remembrance, which commences immediately upon purchase.
9. Appropriate Use
Purchasers shall not submit any names or messages that are unlawful, defamatory, obscene, hateful, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate. Impersonation of any individual or interference with the operation of the Company's services is strictly prohibited. The Company reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject or refuse any submission that violates these standards, and to refuse service to any individual without refund.
10. Privacy and Data Use
The Company collects and processes personal information — including names, contact details, and submitted prayer intentions — solely for the purposes of administering offerings, sending confirmations, conducting ceremonial recitation and devotional acts, and maintaining operational integrity. Purchaser names and intentions may be spoken aloud or silently honored during collective ceremonies conducted within St. Peter's Basilica; such use constitutes an integral part of the service and does not represent disclosure to third parties. Personal data shall not be sold, leased, or otherwise disclosed to third parties except as required by law or necessary to perform the contracted service. The Company implements reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect purchaser information but cannot guarantee absolute security against unauthorized access or breach.
Data Retention. Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in these Terms, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Devotional records, including names and intentions, may be retained indefinitely for archival and ceremonial purposes consistent with the nature of the service.
International Users. If you access the services from outside the United States, please review Section 29 (International Users and GDPR Compliance) for additional terms applicable to your jurisdiction.
California Residents. Please review Section 30 (California Consumer Disclosures) for additional terms applicable to California residents.
11. Intellectual Property
All textual content, imagery, audiovisual materials, trademarks, trade dress, and other proprietary elements displayed on the Company’s website or within its communications are the exclusive property of Vatican Candle or its licensors. No reproduction, modification, or distribution of such materials is permitted without prior written authorization.
12. Limitation of Liability
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT THAT CEREMONIES WILL OCCUR AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME, FREQUENCY, OR INTERVAL, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPECTATIONS OF SPIRITUAL BENEFIT, PERCEIVED DIVINE OUTCOMES, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, OR LOSS OF FAITH.IN ALL CASES, THE COMPANY'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE IN QUESTION.THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH ANY CLAIM IS BASED, INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
13. No Guarantee of Spiritual Outcome
The Company makes no representations or warranties regarding specific spiritual results, divine intercession, miraculous effects, answered prayers, or any particular outcome of any nature. Participation constitutes a voluntary act of personal faith and devotion. The purchaser assumes all risk regarding their spiritual expectations.
14. Force Majeure
The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, war, terrorism, government actions, closure of St. Peter's Basilica, restricted access to the Vatican, travel disruptions, or any other event that prevents or delays the conduct of ceremonies.
15. Entire Agreement
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the purchaser and the Company regarding the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written.
16. Governing Law and Venue
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States of America, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought exclusively before the state or federal courts located within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, which shall have sole jurisdiction over such matters.
17. Waiver of Class Action
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PURCHASER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION AGAINST THE COMPANY. ANY DISPUTE SHALL BE RESOLVED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY.
18. Age and Capacity to Contract
By completing a purchase, the purchaser represents and warrants that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement under the laws of their jurisdiction. Purchases made by individuals under the age of eighteen (18) must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, who shall be bound by these Terms on behalf of themselves and the minor. The Company reserves the right to cancel any order and refuse service if it has reason to believe the purchaser lacks the legal capacity to contract.
19. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, shall be severed from these Terms. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
20. Indemnification
The purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vatican Candle, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:(a) the purchaser's use of or participation in the service;(b) any content, name, intention, or message submitted by the purchaser, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, harassment, or infringement of third-party rights;(c) the purchaser's breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Terms;(d) any dispute between the purchaser and a third party relating to the service; or(e) any violation of applicable law by the purchaser. This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of these Terms and the completion of any service.
21. No Waiver
No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right, power, or remedy under these Terms shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power, or remedy. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or equity.
22. Dispute Resolution and Notice Requirement
Prior to initiating any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the services provided hereunder, the purchaser must first provide written notice to the Company describing the nature of the dispute and the relief sought.
Such notice must be sent via email to support@vaticancandle.com or by certified mail to the Company's mailing address of record.Upon receipt of such notice, the Company shall have sixty (60) days to attempt to resolve the dispute informally.
The purchaser agrees to participate in good faith in any such resolution efforts. If the dispute is not resolved within the sixty (60) day period, either party may proceed with formal legal action in accordance with Section 16 (Governing Law and Venue) of these Terms. No legal proceeding may be commenced until the foregoing notice and cure period has been completed. Any claim brought without compliance with this shall be subject to dismissal without prejudice.
23. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
If a purchaser initiates a chargeback, payment dispute, or reversal of payment through their credit card issuer, bank, or payment processor, the Company reserves the right to:(a) suspend or terminate the purchaser's devotional coverage immediately upon notice of the dispute;(b) contest the chargeback and provide documentation supporting the validity of the transaction;(c) pursue collection of the disputed amount through lawful means, including but not limited to referral to a collections agency or initiation of legal proceedings;(d) recover from the purchaser any fees, costs, or expenses incurred by the Company as a result of the chargeback, including chargeback fees imposed by payment processors; and(e) permanently ban the purchaser from making future purchases. The purchaser acknowledges that initiating a chargeback does not relieve them of their obligations under these Terms, and that fraudulent or bad-faith chargebacks may constitute theft of services.
24. Gift Purchases and Third-Party Beneficiaries
Purchasers may submit names and intentions on behalf of third parties, including as gifts or memorials. In such cases:(a) The purchaser — not the named individual or intended recipient — is the contracting party and is solely bound by these Terms.(b) All rights regarding refunds, cancellations, disputes, and communications with the Company belong exclusively to the purchaser.(c) The purchaser represents that they have obtained any necessary consent from the named individual to submit their name and have it recited during a collective ceremony, or that the named individual is deceased or otherwise unable to provide such consent.(d) The named individual or recipient shall have no direct claim against the Company and is not a party to these Terms. Except as expressly stated herein, these Terms do not confer any rights, benefits, or remedies upon any person or entity other than the purchaser and the Company. There are no third-party beneficiaries to these Terms.
25. Assignment
The Company may assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense any or all of its rights, obligations, or interests under these Terms, in whole or in part, to any person or entity at any time without notice to or consent from the purchaser. Such assignment may occur in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, reorganization, or any other corporate transaction or for any other reason. The purchaser may not assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense any of their rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of the Company. Any attempted assignment in violation of this Section shall be void and of no effect.
26. Limitation Period for Claims
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, OR THE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES. FAILURE TO BRING SUCH CLAIM WITHIN THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD SHALL RESULT IN THE PERMANENT WAIVER AND FORFEITURE OF SUCH CLAIM. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. For purposes of this Section, a claim shall be deemed to have accrued on the date of the act, omission, or event giving rise to the claim, or if later, the date on which the purchaser knew or reasonably should have known of the facts giving rise to the claim.
27. International Users and GDPR Compliance
The Company's services are operated from the United States. If you access or use the services from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with local laws.
For Users Located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland: The Company processes personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable data protection laws. The following supplemental terms apply:
Legal Basis for Processing. The Company processes personal data on the following legal bases:
Performance of Contract: Processing of names, contact information, and intentions is necessary to perform the service you have purchased.
Legitimate Interests: Processing for fraud prevention, security, and improvement of services.
Consent: Where required, you have consented to the ceremonial recitation of your name.
Data Subject Rights. You have the right to: access the personal data we hold about you; rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal data; request erasure of your personal data, subject to our legal retention obligations; restrict or object to certain processing activities; receive your personal data in a portable format; and withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent. To exercise these rights, contact the Company at support@vaticancandle.com. The Company will respond to verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law.
International Data Transfers. Personal data collected from users in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland may be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may not provide the same level of data protection as your home jurisdiction. By using the services, you consent to such transfers. The Company implements appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses where applicable, to protect transferred data.
Data Retention. Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in these Terms, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Devotional records may be retained indefinitely for archival and ceremonial purposes.
Supervisory Authority. If you are located in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.
28. California Consumer Disclosures
For Users Located in California: Automatic Renewal Disclosures (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600 et seq.)The Company offers subscription-based devotional services that renew automatically, including the Eternal Light Program described in Section 29 of these Terms. The following disclosures apply to all automatically renewing subscriptions offered by the Company:Eternal Light Program — Specific Disclosure:Subscription Name: Eternal Light ProgramRecurring Charge: Eighteen United States dollars ($18.00 USD) per monthBilling Frequency: Monthly, charged on the anniversary date of initial enrollment
Automatic Renewal: The Eternal Light subscription renews automatically each month and will continue to renew at the then-current rate until canceled by the subscriberMinimum Commitment: None. Subscribers may cancel at any timeCancellation Method: Subscribers may cancel at any time by sending an email request to support@vaticancandle.com from the email address associated with the subscriptionEffect of Cancellation: Cancellation takes effect at the conclusion of the then-current billing period. The subscriber will continue to receive devotional remembrance through the end of the paid period, after which no further charges will be made. No partial refunds are issued for unused portions of any billing period
Refund Policy: All subscription payments are final upon processing. Refunds are issued only in cases of verified technical error, such as duplicate charges
Rate Changes: The Company reserves the right to modify the subscription rate upon reasonable advance notice to active subscribers. If the rate is increased, subscribers will be notified in advance and may cancel prior to the effective date of the change to avoid the new rate.
General Automatic Renewal Terms. For any subscription-based service offered by the Company, including the Eternal Light Program: (a) the subscription will continue and the subscriber will be charged the then-current price at each renewal period until the subscription is canceled; (b) subscribers may cancel at any time by contacting the Company at support@vaticancandle.com; (c) cancellation will be effective at the end of the current billing period; (d) no refunds will be provided for partial billing periods; (e) the Company will provide confirmation of the subscription and renewal terms at the time of purchase via email; and (f) for California subscribers, the Company will provide any additional notices required by California law prior to renewal.Acknowledgment of Automatic Renewal Terms. By enrolling in the Eternal Light Program or any other automatically renewing subscription offered by the Company, the California subscriber acknowledges that they have been clearly and conspicuously informed of the automatic renewal terms, the recurring charge amount, the cancellation method, and the refund policy, and expressly consents to these terms as a condition of enrollment.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Notice. California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including: the right to know what categories of personal information the Company collects, uses, discloses, and retains; the right to request deletion of personal information collected by the Company, subject to exceptions permitted under the CCPA; the right to correct inaccurate personal information; the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information; the right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information; and the right to non-discrimination for exercising any of the above rights.The Company does not sell personal information, and does not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising as those terms are defined under the CCPA. To exercise any of your rights under the CCPA, please contact the Company at support@vaticancandle.com.The Company will respond to verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law.
29. Eternal Light Subscription Program
The Eternal Light Program is an ongoing devotional subscription offered by the Company at a recurring rate of eighteen United States dollars ($18.00 USD) per month. By enrolling in the Eternal Light Program, the subscriber authorizes the Company to charge the designated payment method on a monthly recurring basis until such time as the subscription is canceled in accordance with this Section.
Nature of the Eternal Light Program. The Eternal Light Program is a purely symbolic devotional offering. It is an act of continued remembrance and spiritual participation — not a purchase of any tangible good, reserved placement, guaranteed lighting, or ongoing physical service. Subscribers expressly acknowledge and agree to the following:(a) No candle is kept continuously lit. The Company does not maintain, reserve, or operate any physical or electric candle on behalf of any subscriber, at any time, whether within St. Peter's Basilica or elsewhere. No flame, light, or physical object is held in dedicated or perpetual illumination as part of this Program.(b) No reserved placement or spot. Enrollment in the Eternal Light Program does not confer any reserved position, priority placement, dedicated space, named inclusion, or guaranteed slot within any ceremony, chapel, registry, or devotional act. The Program does not function as a spot-holder, placeholder, memorial reservation, or any form of continuous dedicated presence within the basilica.(c)
What the Program provides. The Eternal Light Program provides continuous devotional remembrance by the Company for so long as the subscription remains active. The subscriber's name and intention are held by the Company and incorporated into each collective candle-lighting ceremony conducted during the period of active subscription, in the same manner as described in Sections 1 and 4 of these Terms. Collective ceremonies are conducted at the Company's sole discretion and may occur infrequently, as described elsewhere in these Terms.(d) Symbolic and devotional in nature. The Eternal Light Program is offered, and is to be understood, as a symbolic act of ongoing devotion and faithful remembrance. It is not a service contract for the provision of any physical item, ongoing ceremonial performance, or specific spiritual outcome. Subscribers participate voluntarily as an expression of personal faith and devotion.
Automatic Renewal. The Eternal Light subscription renews automatically each month and will continue to renew until canceled by the subscriber. The subscriber will be charged the then-current subscription rate at each renewal. The Company reserves the right to modify the subscription rate upon reasonable advance notice to active subscribers.
Cancellation. Subscribers may cancel the Eternal Light Program at any time by sending a cancellation request via email to support@vaticancandle.com from the email address associated with the subscription. Cancellation will be processed within a reasonable period following receipt of the request and will take effect at the conclusion of the then-current billing period. The subscriber will continue to receive devotional remembrance through the end of the paid period, after which no further charges will be made. No partial refunds shall be issued for unused portions of any billing period.
No Refunds. Consistent with Section 8 (Refunds and Cancellations), all Eternal Light subscription payments are final upon processing. Because devotional remembrance commences immediately upon each monthly renewal, no refunds shall be issued for completed billing periods, regardless of the timing, frequency, or occurrence of ceremonies during such period. Refunds shall be issued solely in the event of a verified technical error, including duplicate charges.
Termination by the Company. The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate any Eternal Light subscription at its sole discretion, including but not limited to cases of payment failure, chargeback, violation of these Terms, or submission of inappropriate content. Termination by the Company shall not entitle the subscriber to any refund of prior payments.
30. Electronic Communications Consent (E-SIGN Act)
By completing a purchase, the purchaser expressly consents to receive all communications, notices, confirmations, disclosures, agreements, and other records from the Company in electronic form, including by email to the address provided at the time of purchase. The purchaser agrees that electronic delivery of such records satisfies any legal requirement that such communications be provided in writing.
The purchaser acknowledges that they have the hardware and software necessary to access and retain electronic communications, including a working email address, internet access, and the ability to read PDF documents. The purchaser may withdraw consent to electronic communications by contacting the Company at support@vaticancandle.com, though doing so may result in the Company's inability to continue providing the service.
It is the purchaser's responsibility to maintain an accurate and current email address on file with the Company and to ensure that Company communications are not blocked by spam filters. The Company is not responsible for undelivered communications resulting from inaccurate contact information or filtering by the purchaser's email provider.
31. Religious Services Disclaimer
The Company is not a church, religious order, ministry, or ecclesiastical body, and does not hold itself out as such. The Company does not provide, and nothing in the service shall be construed as providing: (a) sacramental acts recognized by the Roman Catholic Church or any other religious body; (b) clerical, pastoral, or priestly services; (c) spiritual direction, religious counseling, or pastoral care; (d) confession, absolution, blessing, or any sacrament; or (e) the services of an ordained minister, priest, deacon, or religious.The Company's employees, attendants, and contractors are not ordained clergy and do not act in any clerical or ministerial capacity. The ceremonial acts facilitated by the Company are symbolic devotional acts of the same nature performed by lay visitors to St. Peter's Basilica and do not constitute the performance of any religious sacrament or rite.Purchasers seeking sacramental services, spiritual direction, or pastoral care are encouraged to contact their local parish, diocese, or religious community directly.
32. International Compliance and Sanctions
The Company's services are available only to individuals who are legally permitted to purchase such services under the laws of their jurisdiction and under United States law. The purchaser represents and warrants that they are not: (a) located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any country subject to comprehensive sanctions administered by the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC); (b) identified on any United States government list of prohibited or restricted parties, including the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals List; or (c) otherwise prohibited by applicable law from purchasing the services.The Company reserves the right to refuse service, cancel orders, or terminate accounts held by individuals in violation of this Section, and to report such violations to appropriate government authorities as required by law. Purchasers are solely responsible for ensuring that their use of the service complies with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction.
33. Taxes
All prices quoted by the Company are exclusive of any applicable sales tax, use tax, value-added tax (VAT), goods and services tax (GST), or other taxes imposed by any taxing authority. Where the Company is required by law to collect such taxes, they will be added to the purchase price at the time of checkout. In all other cases, the purchaser is solely responsible for determining and remitting any taxes owed in connection with their purchase, and the Company shall have no liability for the purchaser's failure to do so.
34. Deceased Persons and Memorial Submissions
Purchasers may submit the names of deceased individuals for inclusion in devotional remembrance as memorials. By submitting the name of a deceased individual, the purchaser represents that: (a) they have a good-faith personal or familial connection to the deceased that justifies the submission; (b) the submission is made with respectful intent and does not violate any right of publicity, privacy, or other legal right held by the deceased's estate or surviving family members; and (c) the purchaser accepts full responsibility for any dispute arising from the submission.The Company reserves the right to refuse or remove any memorial submission at its sole discretion, including submissions involving public figures, historical persons, or individuals where the Company has reason to believe the submission may be disputed by surviving family members or estate representatives. The removal of a memorial submission shall not entitle the purchaser to any refund.
35. No Agency, Partnership, or Employment
Nothing in these Terms shall be construed as creating any agency, partnership, joint venture, employment, franchise, or fiduciary relationship between the purchaser and the Company. The purchaser has no authority to bind the Company in any manner, to act on behalf of the Company, or to make any representations about the Company to third parties.
36. Notices to Purchaser
Any notice required or permitted to be given by the Company to the purchaser under these Terms may be delivered by electronic mail to the email address associated with the purchaser's most recent order, and such notice shall be deemed received on the date of transmission. It is the purchaser's responsibility to maintain a current and accurate email address on file with the Company.
37. Survival
The following provisions shall survive the termination, cancellation, or expiration of these Terms or any service provided hereunder: Section 10 (Privacy and Data Use), Section 11 (Intellectual Property), Section 12 (Limitation of Liability), Section 13 (No Guarantee of Spiritual Outcome), Section 16 (Governing Law and Venue), Section 17 (Waiver of Class Action), Section 20 (Indemnification), Section 22 (Dispute Resolution), Section 23 (Chargebacks and Payment Disputes), Section 26 (Limitation Period for Claims), Section 31 (Religious Services Disclaimer), Section 32 (International Compliance and Sanctions), Section 38 (Language and Translation), and any other provision that by its nature is intended to survive termination.
38. Language and Translation
These Terms are executed in the English language. Any translation of these Terms provided for the convenience of non-English speakers is for reference only. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the English version and any translation, the English version shall control.
39. Third-Party Payment Processors
Payment for services is processed by third-party payment processors, including but not limited to Stripe, Inc. The Company does not store or process credit card or banking information directly. By providing payment information, the purchaser agrees to the terms of service and privacy policies of the applicable payment processor. The Company is not responsible for errors, delays, or security incidents caused by third-party payment processors.
40. Modifications to Terms
The Company reserves the right to amend or update these Terms at any time. Revised Terms shall become effective immediately upon posting to the Company's website. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of any modifications. It is the purchaser's responsibility to review these Terms periodically.
By completing a purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Vatican Candle
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved