Before the difficulty of facing death, the diocese of Speyer introduced a special “Ritual for death blessing” to help people to accept the pain of separation. The new ritual will not “compete with”, or replace, the sacrament of extreme unction, to be made for the seriously ill, or for those who require it during their own illness. Exactly for that situation, death blessing will be dedicated to the last moments, maybe the very end of earthly life. There is also another difference: while extreme unction is reserved for the priest, death blessing may be carried out by laymen. “For all believers, the power of baptism makes them able to extend the help of God to the people they love”, said bishop of Speyer Msgr. Karl-Heinz Wiesemann, and it is an “ecumenical precept”. Relatives and friends may stay at home together, as well as in hospitals, care homes or hospices, or they may join volunteers. “Death blessing as pastoral complement or help in hospice”, said Wiesemann, the President of the Doctrinal Commission of the German Bishops’ Conference. “Collaboration of pastors in care homes and hospitals” will become important; they will be the first contact points for those who require death blessings either for themselves or their relatives, or for hospital volunteers and pastoral delegates who may take advantage of adequate theological and liturgical training.