Did the gesture of benediction actually come from a pope with Dupuytren’s contracture?

Well, would you look at that. I learned something on Yahoo today.

If you mean the sign of the cross, it came from worship of Jesus Christ by the earliest Christian Church.

Priests who aren't pope often do benedictions. When any priest does benediction properly it's actually Jesus giving the blessing.

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Of course it did dear, that's why they wear diapers now.