Masaaki Hatsumi has become the first budoka in history to be awarded an
Apostolic Blessing by the Vatican.  The certificate, which arrived in Japan
in May 2001, bears a painting of Pope John Paul and states the following:

Sua Santita' Giovanni Paolo II
Di cuore imparte
l'Apostolica Benedizione
a
Hatsumi Masaaki
Come pegno di grazie e favori celesti

It translates into English as the following:

His Holiness Giovanni Paolo II
Heartily Bestows
The Apostolic Blessing
To
Hatsumi Masaaki
As a Token of Celestial Graces and Favors

The blessing can be viewed as an affirmation of the good that Hatsumi-sensei
has brought to the world through his teachings and travels.