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How to Read, Study and Benefit from Papal Encyclicals
ContentsWhat is an Encyclical ..................................................................................................................................... 1
How to Read and Study an Encyclical ........................................................................................................... 2
Are Encyclicals Infallible Teachings of a Pope ............................................................................................... 2
History of Encyclicals ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Why Read Encyclicals if You are Not Catholic? ............................................................................................. 4
Links to Other Encyclicals and Lists of All Encyclicals ................................................................................... 4
List of Encyclicals ........................................................................................................................................... 4
WhatisanEncyclicalThe word encyclical literally means "in a circle." It is a letter intended to travel— to circulate. However in
modern times it has become almost exclusively used to denote teachings from the Pope.
Comparing an encyclical to other kinds of official Roman Catholic documents is a good way to
understand the significance of an encyclical.
Firstly, when the pope makes a declaration of some article of faith or moral law it is given in the form of
a Papal Bull, which is very formal and uses prescriptive and dogmatic language. These are rare in recent
times.
Secondly there are Decrees, which address a very particular problem requiring precise response and
action.
Thirdly there are apostolic letters and messages, which are characteristically pastoral, encouraging, and
inspirational.
Encyclicals can have some features of all these categories but are generally longer; the thinking behind
the statements is deeper and articulated more expansively. They are addressed usually to the whole
church (a few exceptions have been addressed to bishops of particular nations) and it is understood that
bishops will promulgate the teachings and make the encyclicals widely available.
Nowadays all the encyclicals are posted on the Vatican website and other websites of Catholic
organizations. Encyclicals are exhortative in tone. They counsel and encourage and thus make clear that
what is said is not to be taken lightly. They deal with complex social and moral issues and back up their
claims with reference to the Bible and to Catholic tradition and doctrines.
While Encyclicals do not compel Catholics to believe and act in accordance with what is said, the
expectation is that all Catholics (and it is hoped all people of good will) will use the teaching as
guidance for their life style and moral commitments.
The title of an encyclical is the first two words of the document in Latin, the official language in which
encyclicals are written.
HowtoReadandStudyanEncyclicalFirst, start with a prayer, and second understand what an Encyclical is especially why and when the
encyclical you are about to read was written.
Doing a close reading, or as we would call it a “study of an encyclical”, would generally be a slow
process. As you read through these encyclicals you might be struck by what a treasure trove of teaching
they are on a whole host of issues: inspiration, inerrancy, interpretation, the literal and spiritual senses
of Scripture, the role of the Scripture in the spiritual life and mission of the Church, and on and on.
Always pause and spend time to reflect on short portions. A straight through read from one end to the
other, at one sitting would not only be laborious but your concentration would also be limited.
It can be difficult, but try to resist interpreting the encyclical through the perceptual ‘filters’ of your prior
beliefs as they are amenable to your personal values, aka the upcoming encyclical on climate change.
But as you look around in secondary literature, both Catholic and Protestant, no one seems to be
actually reading the encyclicals and engaging them. This is an odd situation, one that seems to be
peculiar to biblical studies. At least in Catholic circles, no moral theologian worth his or her salt would
ever presume to speak about, say, the Church's teaching on contraception without reference to Paul VI's
Encyclical Letter Of Human Life, Humanae Vitae (1968). Likewise, Catholic philosophers regularly make
their students study John Paul II's Encyclical Letter On the Relationship between Faith and Reason, Fides
et Ratio (1998), in close detail.
Many of encyclicals would be better with a good commentary, because many can be hard to
understand. Some commentaries are better than others, so make sure you are getting your money’s
worth if you buy one.
AreEncyclicalsInfallibleTeachingsofaPopeAnother way of teaching – Ordinary Papal Magisterium – would not use the charism of infallibility. When
the Pope issues a document that has his authority as Pope, it doesn’t mean that it bears the full weight
of that authority.
Most encyclicals are not ex cathedra statements. To be an ex cathedra (infallible) statement, the
teaching must bear the full authority of the Pope and be about faith or morals. The Pope can speak to
different topics using different levels of his authority, though if he is teaching as universal pastor at any
time, we are required to assent to the teaching.
There are only two instances of the Pope using his entire authority to speak ex cathedra:
1. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven (1950)
2. Immaculate Conception (1854).
When something is declared infallible, we are obligated to have the response of the “obedience of
faith”, because it has been declared part of the deposit of the faith. It is universally binding on all
Catholics. Encyclicals generally do not define dogma, but rather are the ordinary way for the Pope to
teach and would not be extraordinary. Now, that doesn’t mean that there are not infallible teachings
within the document, but it is not infallible declared. A common example would be that moral questions
are generally not infallibly defined, but that does not in any way make the teaching less binding. Rather,
infallibility is the gift of the Holy Spirit given to the Church that allows it to recognize those truths that
cannot be reversed in content (not wording) because they correspond to the “deposit of faith” from
Christ and the apostles.
Papal encyclicals are diagnoses of particular historical ailments—the encyclicals speak about work
(Laborem Exercens), the environment (Laudato Si'), religious freedom (Dignitatis Humanae), birth
control (Humanae Vitae), the state and civil society (Centesimus Annus), development (Popularum
Progressio, Caritas in Veritate)—and as such, they offer different prescriptions.
HistoryofEncyclicalsThe name of the encyclical that began this tradition also set the tone for the form of later encyclicals.
Rerum Novarum, written in 1891 by Leo XIII and which many consider the fi rst modern encyclical,
literally translates as "new things." It attempted (and succeeded) to bring to bear the old, old story of
the Christian church on the new—and revolutionary— things that were happening in Europe during the
Industrial Revolution. At the time Rerum Novarum was written, Europe was a seething mess of injustice,
revolution, poverty, inequality, and instability. The massive industrialization of work and production,
combined with wide‐scale urbanization, led to massive poverty, social dislocation, and a massive
underclass that was largely uneducated, disenfranchised, increasingly resentful. It was also still
predominantly Christian.
Since 1854 (during the term of Pope Pius IX) there have been 240 encyclicals. However, it is noteworthy
that the number of encyclicals written by more recent popes is less than the number written by earlier
popes in this period. Pius XII (pope from 1939‐1958) wrote 40 encyclicals and Leo XIII (1878‐1903) wrote
87. John Paul II (1978‐2005) wrote 14 and Benedict (2005‐2013) only 3. The reasons for these
differences in numbers has to do with at least two factors: (1) The term encyclical has taken on a
narrower meaning in recent times, so kinds of writings that were once called encyclicals are now named
differently. (2) Recent Popes have more direct contact with Catholics around the world through different
forms of media and through travel. Pope John Paul II was the first pope in recent times to travel outside
the Vatican.
Two officials presiding over separate bureaux still count it among their duties to aid the Holy Father in
the drafting of his encyclical letters. These are the "Segretario dei brevi ai Principi" assisted by two
minutanti, and the "Segretario delle lettere Latine" also with a minutante. But it was undoubtedly the
habit of Leo XIII to write his own encyclicals, and it is plainly within the competence of the sovereign
pontiff to dispense with the services of any subordinates.
Each Encyclical bears the mark of its time. Reading John Paul II's Centesimus Annus, for instance, against
the backdrop of the breaking of the grip of communism helps you understand how its recognition of the
tremendous good that markets can achieve is not out of step with the concerns about those same
markets that appear in Benedict XVI's Caritas in Veritate, which was written after the financial
meltdown.
WhyReadEncyclicalsifYouareNotCatholic?If you're not a Roman Catholic, or not even a believer, why read them at all? They are worth reading for
Protestants because—in a manner that contemporary Protestant writing still only dreams of attaining—
they take the time to pore both through the Scriptures and through the breadth of the Christian
tradition to testify to the person of Christ in life right here, right now. And readers who aren't Christians
often find themselves intrigued, curious, and maybe just a bit attracted to a community that can talk
with such depth and clarity about the anxieties of our age, and that presents a coherent and beautiful
vision for the good life in an age that too often settles for a mere collection of shards
LinkstoOtherEncyclicalsandListsofAllEncyclicalshttp://www.papalencyclicals.net/document‐directory
ListofEncyclicals
Encyclicals (341) Author
Date
Laudato si’ On the care for our common home
ecology social
Pope FRANCIS
2015.05.24
Lumen Fidei / The Light of Faith On faith
faith Pope FRANCIS
2013.06.29
Caritas in Veritate / Charity in Truth On integral human development in charity and truth
social Pope BENEDICT XVI
2009.06.29
Spe Salvi / Saved in Hope On Christian hope
hope Pope BENEDICT XVI
2007.11.30
Deus caritas est / God is Love On Christian love
love Pope BENEDICT XVI
2005.12.25
Ecclesia de Eucharistia / The Eucharist from the Church On the Eucharist in Its relationship to the Church
ecclesiology Eucharist
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
2003.04.17
Fides et ratio / Faith and Reason On the relationship between faith and reason
doctrine reason
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1998.09.14
Ut unum sint / That They Be One On commitment to ecumenism
ecclesiology ecumenism
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1995.05.25
Evangelium vitæ / The Gospel of Life On the value and inviolability of human life
bioethics pro-life
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1995.03.25
Veritatis splendor / The Splendour of Truth On certain fundamental questions of the Church's moral teaching
bioethics
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1993.08.06
Centesimus annus / Hundred Years For the 100th anniversary of Rerum Novarum
social
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1991.05.01
Redemptoris Missio / The Mission of the Redeemer On the permanent validity of the Church's missionary mandate
Holy Spirit mission
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1990.12.07
Sollicitudo rei socialis / The Social Concern of the Church for the 20th anniversary of Popularum Progressio
social
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1987.12.30
Redemptoris Mater / The Mother of the Redeemer Proclaiming the Marian Year
Mary
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1987.03.25
Dominum et vivificantem / The Lord the Giver of Life On the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and the world
Holy Spirit
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1986.05.18
Slavorum apostoli / The Apostles of the Slavs For the 11th centenary of the evangelizing work of Sts. Cyril and Methodius
saint
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1985.06.02
Laborem exercens On human work, for the 90th Anniversary of Rerum Novarum
social
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1981.09.14
Dives in Misericordia / Rich in Mercy On Divine Mercy
love Sacred Heart
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1980.11.30
Redemptor hominis / The Redeemer of Man On the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the pilgrim Church
ecclesiology Mary
SAINT Pope JOHN PAUL II
1979.03.04
Humanæ vitæ / Human Life On the regulation of birth
bioethics social
BLESSED Pope PAUL VI
1968.07.25
Sacerdotalis Cælibatus / Priestly Celibacy On the celibacy of the priest
priest
BLESSED Pope PAUL VI
1967.06.24
Populorum progressio / The Development of Peoples On the development of peoples
social
BLESSED Pope PAUL VI
1967.03.26
Christi Matri / Mother of Christ On prayers for peace during October
Mary peace
BLESSED Pope PAUL VI
1966.09.15
Mysterium fidei / The Mystery of Faith On the Holy Eucharist
Eucharist Mass
BLESSED Pope PAUL VI
1965.09.03
Mense maio / The Month of May On prayers during May for preservation of peace
Mary peace
BLESSED Pope PAUL VI
1965.04.29
Ecclesiam suam On the Church
ecclesiology
BLESSED Pope PAUL VI
1964.08.06
Pacem in terris / Peace on Earth On establishing universal peace in truth, justice, charity, and liberty
peace social
SAINT Pope JOHN XXIII
1963.04.11
Pænitentiam agere / Doing Penance On the need for the practice of interior and exterior penance
fasting penance
SAINT Pope JOHN XXIII
1962.07.01
Æterna Dei sapientia / God’s Eternal Wisdom For the 15th centenary of the death of St. Leo I: The See of Peter as the centre of Christian unity
saint
SAINT Pope JOHN XXIII
1961.11.11
Mater et Magistra / Mother and Teacher On Christianity and social progress
social
SAINT Pope JOHN XXIII
1961.05.15
Princeps pastorum / The Prince of the Shepherds On the missions, native clergy and lay participation
mission
SAINT Pope JOHN XXIII
1959.11.28
Grata recordatio / Plesant Recollections On the rosary: prayer for the Church, missions, international and social problems
rosary social
SAINT Pope JOHN XXIII
1959.09.26
Sacerdotii nostri primordia / First Days of Our Priesthood On St. John Vianney
priest saint
SAINT Pope JOHN XXIII
1959.08.01
Ad Petri Cathedram / To the Chair of Peter On promoting under the impulse of charity, truth, unity and peace
doctrine
SAINT Pope JOHN XXIII
1959.06.29
Meminisse iuvat On prayers for the persecuted Church
peace Pope PIUS XII
1958.07.14
Ad Apostolorum Principis / At the Tomb of the Prince of the Apostles / 《宗徒之長》通諭 On communism and the Church in China
China communism
Pope PIUS XII
1958.06.29
Miranda prorsus On cinemas, radios and televisions
communication radio television Pope PIUS XII
1957.09.08
Pilgrimage to Lourdes / Le Pèlerinage de Lourdes On warning against materialism on the centenary of the apparitions of Lourdes
Lourdes Mary Pope PIUS XII
1957.07.02
Invicti athletæ On St. Andrew Bobola
saint Pope PIUS XII
1957.05.16
Fidei donum On the present condition of the Catholic missions, especially in Africa
Africa mission Pope PIUS XII
1957.04.21
Datis nuperrime On lamenting the sorrowful events in Hungary and condemning the ruthless use of force
Hungary peace Pope PIUS XII
1956.11.05
Lætamur admodum On renewing exhortation for prayers for peace for Poland, Hungary and the Middle East
Hungary peace Poland Pope PIUS XII
1956.11.01
Luctuosissimi eventus / Sorrowful Events On urging public prayers for peace and freedom for the people of Hungary
Hungary peace Pope PIUS XII
1956.10.28
Haurietis aquas On the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sacred Heart Pope PIUS XII
1956.05.15
Musicæ sacræ / Sacred Music On sacred music
liturgy music Pope PIUS XII
1955.12.25
Ad Cæli Reginam / To the Queen of Heaven On proclaiming the Queenship of Mary
Mary Pope PIUS XII
1954.10.11
Ad Sinarum gentem / To the Chinese People / 《致中華人民》通
諭 On the supranationality of the Church, sufferings of the Church in China
China
Pope PIUS XII
1954.10.07
Ecclesiæ fastos For the 12th centenary of St. Boniface
saint Pope PIUS XII
1954.06.05
Sacra virginitas / Holy Virginity On consecrated virginity
priest religious Pope PIUS XII
1954.03.25
Fulgens corona / The Radiant Crown On proclaiming a Marian Year to commemorate the centenary of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception
jubilee Mary
Pope PIUS XII
1953.09.08
Doctor mellifluus On the 12th centenary of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the last of the Fathers
saint Pope PIUS XII
1953.05.24
Orientales Ecclesias On the condition of the Eastern Churches
Eastern Churches Pope PIUS XII
1952.12.15
Ingruentium malorum On reciting the rosary Pope PIUS XII
1951.09.15
Mary rosary
Sempiternus Rex Christus / Christ the Eternal King For the 15th centenary of the Council of Chalcedon Pope PIUS XII
1951.09.08
Evangelii præcones On promotion of Catholic missions
mission Pope PIUS XII
1951.06.02
Mirabile illud / Admirable Prodigy On the crusade of prayer for peace
peace Pope PIUS XII
1950.12.06
Humani generis On some false opinions threatening to undermine the foundations of Catholic doctrine
Bible doctrine evolution Pope PIUS XII
1950.08.12
Summi mæroris On public prayers for peace
peace Pope PIUS XII
1950.07.19
Anni Sacri / The Holy Year On a program for combatting atheistic propaganda throughout the World
doctrine Pope PIUS XII
1950.03.12
Redemptoris nostri cruciatus / Passion of Our Redeemer On the holy place of Palestine
peace
Pope PIUS XII
1949.04.15
In multiplicibus curis On prayers for peace in Palestine
peace Pope PIUS XII
1948.10.24
Auspicia quædam On public prayers for world peace and solution of the problem of Palestine
peace Pope PIUS XII
1948.05.01
Optatissima pax Prescribing public prayers for social and world peace
peace Pope PIUS XII
1947.12.18
Mediator Dei / Mediator between God and Men On the Sacred Liturgy
calendar divine office Eucharist liturgy Pope PIUS XII
1947.11.20
Fulgens radiatur On the 14th centenary of the most holy death of St. Benedict
saint Pope PIUS XII
1947.03.21
Deiparæ Virginis Mariæ / Blessed Virgin Mary On the possibility of defining the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a dogma of faith
Assumption Mary Pope PIUS XII
1946.05.01
Quemadmodum On assuming more eagerly at the present time the care of needy children
children Pope PIUS XII
1946.01.06
Orientales omnes Ecclesias / All the Eastern Churches On the 350th anniversary of the reunion of the Ruthenian Church with the Apostolic See
Eastern Churches Ruthenian Church Pope PIUS XII
1945.12.23
Communium interpretes dolorum / Interpreter of the Universal Anguish Appealing for prayers for peace during May
peace
Pope PIUS XII
1945.04.15
Orientalis Ecclesiæ / Eastern Church On the 15th centenary of St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria
saint Pope PIUS XII
1944.04.09
Divino afflante Spiritu / Inspired by the Divine Spirit On promoting Biblical studies, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Providentissimus Deus
Bible
Pope PIUS XII
1943.09.30
Mystici Corporis Christi / Mystical Body of Christ On the Mystical Body of Christ
doctrine ecclesiology Pope PIUS XII
1943.06.29
Sæculo exeunte octavo / Eighth Centenary On the 8th centenary of the independence of Portugal
Portugal Pope PIUS XII
1940.06.13
Sertum lætitiæ On the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the hierarchy in the United States
USA Pope PIUS XII
1939.11.01
Summi pontificatus / Supreme Pontiff On the unity of human society
peace Sacred Heart Pope PIUS XII
1939.10.20
Ingravescentibus malis On the rosary
Mary rosary Pope PIUS XI
1937.09.29
Nos Es Muy Conocida On the religious situation in Mexico
Mexico Pope PIUS XI
1937.03.28
Divini Redemptoris On atheistic communism
communism Pope PIUS XI
1937.03.19
Mit Brennender Sorge On Nazism, the Church and the German Reich
communism Germany social Pope PIUS XI
1937.03.14
Vigilanti cura On motion pictures
communication movie Pope PIUS XI
1936.06.29
Ad Catholici sacerdotii On the Catholic priesthood
priest Pope PIUS XI
1935.12.20
Dilectissima nobis On the oppression of the Church of Spain
Spain Pope PIUS XI
1933.06.03
Acerba Animi On the persecution of the Church in Mexico
Mexico Pope PIUS XI
1932.09.29
Caritate Christi compulsi On the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sacred Heart Pope PIUS XI
1932.05.03
Lux veritatis For the 15th centenary of the Council of Ephesus Pope PIUS XI
1931.12.25
Nova impendet On the economic crisis
economy Pope PIUS XI
1931.10.02
Non Abbiamo Bisogno On Catholic Action in Italy, fascism
Italy Pope PIUS XI
1931.06.29
Quadragesimo Anno On Reconstruction of the Social Order, for the 40th anniversary of Rerum Novarum
social Pope PIUS XI
1931.05.15
Casti connubii On Christian marriage
marriage Pope PIUS XI
1930.12.31
Ad salutem On the 15th centenary of St. Augustine
saint Pope PIUS XI
1930.04.30
Divini illius magistri On Christian education of youth
education Pope PIUS XI
1929.12.31
Quinquagesimo ante Sacerdotal jubilee Pope PIUS XI
1929.12.23
Mens Nostra On the promotion of the spiritual exercises
spiritual Pope PIUS XI
1929.12.20
Rerum orientalium On the reunion with the Eastern Churches
Eastern Churches Pope PIUS XI
1928.09.08
Miserentissimus Redemptor On reparation to the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Pope PIUS XI
1928.05.08
Mortalium animos Promoting true religious unity
ecumenism Pope PIUS XI
1928.01.06
Iniquis afflictisque On the persecution of the Church in Mexico
Mexico Pope PIUS XI
1926.11.18
Rite Expiatis For the 7th centenary of the death of St. Francis de Assisi
saint Pope PIUS XI
1926.04.30
Rerum Ecclesiæ On Catholic Missions
mission Pope PIUS XI
1926.02.28
Quas Primas On the Feast of Christ the King
calendar Sacred Heart Pope PIUS XI
1925.12.11
Maximam gravissimamque On French diocesan associations
France Pope PIUS XI
1924.01.18
Ecclesiam Dei For the 3rd centenary of the death of St. Josaphat
saint Pope PIUS XI
1923.11.12
Studiorum ducem For the 6th centenary of the canonization of St. Thomas Aquinas
saint Pope PIUS XI
1923.06.29
Rerum omnium perturbationem Declaring St. Francis de Sales as Patron of Writers, on the 3rd centenary of his death
saint Pope PIUS XI
1923.01.26
Ubi Arcano On the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ
social Pope PIUS XI
1922.12.23
Fausto appetente die For the 7th centenary of the death of St. Dominic
saint Pope BENEDICT XV
1921.06.29
In præclara summorum On the 6th centenary of the death of Dante
poetry Pope BENEDICT XV
1921.04.30
Sacra Propediem On the 7th centenary of the Third Order of St. Francis
saint Pope BENEDICT XV
1921.01.06
Annus iam plenus Appealing for help for the child war victims of Central Europe
Europe Pope BENEDICT XV
1920.12.01
Principi Apostolorum Petro On conferring upon St. Ephrem the Syrian the honour of Doctor of the Church
saint Pope BENEDICT XV
1920.10.05
Spiritus Paraclitus For the 15th centenary of the Death of St. Jerome
Bible Holy Spirit saint Pope BENEDICT XV
1920.09.15
Pacem Dei On Peace and Christian Reconciliation
peace Pope BENEDICT XV
1920.05.23
Paterno iam diu Appealing for help to the children of Central Europe
Europe Pope BENEDICT XV
1919.11.24
In hac tanta For the 12th centenary of the union of Germany with the Apostolic See due to St. Boniface
Germany saint Pope BENEDICT XV
1919.05.14
Quod iam diu On the Future Peace Conference
peace Pope BENEDICT XV
1918.12.01
Humani generis redemptionem On Preaching the Word of God
preaching Pope BENEDICT XV
1917.06.15
Ad beatissimi Apostolorum Principis Appealing for peace
peace Pope BENEDICT XV
1914.11.01
Singulari quadam On labour organizations
Germany labour SAINT Pope PIUS X
1912.09.24
Lacrimabili Statu On the conditions of Indians of South America
South America SAINT Pope PIUS X
1912.06.07
Iamdudum On the Law of Separation in Portugal
Portugal state SAINT Pope PIUS X
1911.05.24
Editæ Sæpe For the 3rd centenary of St. Charles Borromeo
saint SAINT Pope PIUS X
1910.05.26
Communium Rerum For the 8th centenary of the death of St. Anselm of Aosta
saint SAINT Pope PIUS X
1909.04.21
Pascendi Dominici gregis SAINT Pope PIUS X
1907.09.08
Condemning doctrines of Modernism Bible modernism
Une fois encore On the separation of Church and State in France
France state SAINT Pope PIUS X
1907.01.06
Gravissimo officii munere Forbidding Associations culturelles
France SAINT Pope PIUS X
1906.08.10
Pieni L’Animo On the clergy in Italy
Italy SAINT Pope PIUS X
1906.07.28
Tribus circiter annis Condemning the Mariavites of Mystic Priests of Poland
Poland SAINT Pope PIUS X
1906.04.05
Vehementer nos On the French Law of Separation
France state SAINT Pope PIUS X
1906.02.11
Il Fermo Proposito On Catholic Action in Italy
Italy SAINT Pope PIUS X
1905.06.11
Acerbo nimis On Teaching Christian Doctrine
catechesis education SAINT Pope PIUS X
1905.04.15
Iucunda Sane For the 13th centenary of the death of Pope Gregory the Great
saint SAINT Pope PIUS X
1904.03.12
Ad diem illum lætissimum For the 50th anniverary of the definition of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception
Mary SAINT Pope PIUS X
1904.02.02
E supremi apostolatus cathedra On the restoration of all things in Christ SAINT Pope PIUS X
1903.10.04
Dum multa On marriage legislation
marriage Pope LEO XIII
1902.12.24
Fin dal Principio On the education of clergy
priest Pope LEO XIII
1902.12.08
Quæ ad nos On the Church in Bohemia and Moravia
Czech Republic Pope LEO XIII
1902.11.22
Miræ caritatis On the Holy Eucharist
Eucharist Pope LEO XIII
1902.05.28
Quod votis On the proposed Catholic university
education Pope LEO XIII
1902.04.30
In amplissimo On the Church in the United States
USA Pope LEO XIII
1902.04.15
Urbanitatis veteris On the foundation of a seminary in Athens
Greece Pope LEO XIII
1901.11.20
Reputantibus On the language question in Bohemia
Czech Republic Pope LEO XIII
1901.08.20
Gravissimas On religious orders in Portugal
Portugal Pope LEO XIII
1901.05.16
Graves de communi Re On Christian democracy
society Pope LEO XIII
1901.01.18
Tametsi futura prospicientibus On Jesus Christ the Redeemer Pope LEO XIII
1900.11.01
Omnibus compertum On unity among the Greek Melkites
Eastern Churches Greek-Melkite Church Pope LEO XIII
1900.07.21
Paternæ On the education of clergy
priest Pope LEO XIII
1899.09.18
Depuis le jour On the education of the clergy
priest Pope LEO XIII
1899.09.08
Annum sacrum On consecration to the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Pope LEO XIII
1899.05.25
Quum diuturnum On the Latin American Bishops' Plenary Council
South America Pope LEO XIII
1898.12.25
Diuturni temporis On the rosary
rosary Pope LEO XIII
1898.09.05
Quam religiosa On civil marriage law
marriage Peru Pope LEO XIII
1898.08.16
Sæpe Numero / Spesse Volte On the suppression of Catholic institutions
Italy Pope LEO XIII
1898.08.05
Caritatis studium On the Church in Scotland
Scotland Pope LEO XIII
1898.07.25
Affari vos On the Manitoba school question
Canada Pope LEO XIII
1897.12.18
Augustissimæ Virginis Mariæ On the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary
association rosary Pope LEO XIII
1897.09.12
Militantis Ecclesiæ For the 3rd centenary of the death of St. Peter Canisius
saint Pope LEO XIII
1897.08.01
Divinum Illud munus On the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit Pope LEO XIII
1897.05.09
Fidentem piumque animum On the rosary Pope LEO XIII
1896.09.20
Mary rosary
Satis cognitum On the unity of the Church
ecclesiology Pope LEO XIII
1896.06.29
Insignes On the Hungarian millennium
Hungary Pope LEO XIII
1896.05.01
Adiutricem On the rosary
Mary rosary Pope LEO XIII
1895.09.05
Permoti nos On social conditions in Belgium
Belgium Pope LEO XIII
1895.07.10
Longinqua On Catholicism in the United States
USA Pope LEO XIII
1895.01.06
Christi Nomen On propagation of the faith and Eastern Churches
Eastern Churches mission Pope LEO XIII
1894.12.24
Orientalium Dignitas On the Churches of the East
Eastern Churches Pope LEO XIII
1894.11.30
Iucunda semper expectatione On the rosary
rosary Pope LEO XIII
1894.09.08
Litteras a vobis On clergy in Brazil
Brazil Pope LEO XIII
1894.07.02
Inter Graves On the Church in Peru
Peru Pope LEO XIII
1894.05.01
Caritatis providentiæque On the Church in Poland
Poland Pope LEO XIII
1894.03.19
Providentissimus Deus On the study of Holy Scriptures
Bible Pope LEO XIII
1893.11.18
Non mediocri On the Spanish College in Rome
Spain Pope LEO XIII
1893.10.25
Lætitiæ sanctæ Commending devotion to the rosary
Mary rosary Pope LEO XIII
1893.09.08
Constanti Hungarorum On the Church in Hungary
Hungary Pope LEO XIII
1893.09.02
Ad extremas On seminaries for native clergy
India mission seminary Pope LEO XIII
1893.06.24
Inimica vis On freemasonry
freemasonry Pope LEO XIII
1892.12.08
Custodi di quella Fede On freemasonry
freemasonry Pope LEO XIII
1892.12.08
Magnæ dei Matris On the rosary
Mary rosary Pope LEO XIII
1892.09.08
Quarto abeunte sæculo On the Columbus quadricentennial
mission Pope LEO XIII
1892.07.16
Inter gravissimas / Au milieu des sollicitudes On the Church and State in France
France state Pope LEO XIII
1892.02.16
Octobri mense On the rosary
rosary Pope LEO XIII
1891.09.22
Pastoralis officii On the morality of dueling Pope LEO XIII
1891.09.12
Pastoralis On religious union
Portugal Pope LEO XIII
1891.07.25
Rerum novarum On capital and labour
labour social Pope LEO XIII
1891.05.15
In Ipso On episcopal reunions in Austria
Austria Pope LEO XIII
1891.03.03
Catholicæ Ecclesiæ On slavery in the missions
mission slavery Pope LEO XIII
1890.11.20
Ab Apostolici solii / Dall’alto dell’Apostolico seggio On freemasonry in Italy
freemasonry Italy Pope LEO XIII
1890.10.15
Sapientiæ Christianæ On Christians as citizens
social society Pope LEO XIII
1890.01.10
Quamquam pluries On devotion to St. Joseph
St. Joseph Pope LEO XIII
1889.08.15
Magni nobis On the Catholic University of America
USA Pope LEO XIII
1889.03.07
Exeunte iam anno On the right ordering of Christian life
moral society Pope LEO XIII
1888.12.25
Etsi cunctas On the Church in Ireland
Ireland Pope LEO XIII
1888.12.21
Quam Ærumnosa On Italian immigrants
USA Pope LEO XIII
1888.12.10
Paterna caritas On reunion with Rome of the Armenian Church Pope LEO XIII
1888.07.25
Armenian Church Eastern Churches
Sæpe nos On boycotting in Ireland
Ireland Pope LEO XIII
1888.06.24
Libertas præstantissimum On the nature of human liberty
freedom Pope LEO XIII
1888.06.20
In plurimis On the abolition of slavery
slavery Pope LEO XIII
1888.05.05
Quod anniversarius On His golden jubilee of priestly ordination Pope LEO XIII
1888.04.01
Officio sanctissimo On the Church in Bavaria
Germany Pope LEO XIII
1887.12.22
Vi è Ben Noto On the rosary and public life
Italy rosary Pope LEO XIII
1887.09.20
Pergrata nobis On the Church in Portugal
Portugal Pope LEO XIII
1886.09.14
Quod multum On the Liberty of the Church
Hungary Pope LEO XIII
1886.08.22
Iampridem nobis On Catholicism in Germany
Germany Pope LEO XIII
1886.01.06
Quod auctoritate apostolica Proclaiming the Extraordinary Jubilee of 1886
jubilee Pope LEO XIII
1885.12.22
Spectata Fides On Christian education
education Pope LEO XIII
1885.11.27
Immortale Dei On the Christian constitution of States
state Pope LEO XIII
1885.11.01
Superiore anno On the recitation of the rosary
rosary Pope LEO XIII
1884.08.30
Humanum genus On freemasonry
freemasonry Pope LEO XIII
1884.04.20
Nobilissima Gallorum gens On the religious question in France
France Pope LEO XIII
1884.02.08
Supremi apostolatus officio On devotion of the rosary
Mary rosary Pope LEO XIII
1883.09.01
Cum multa sint On conditions in Spain
Spain Pope LEO XIII
1882.12.08
Auspicato concessum Pope LEO XIII
1882.09.17
For the 7th centenary of the birth of St. Francis of Assisi Assisi saint
Etsi nos On conditions in Italy
Italy Pope LEO XIII
1882.02.15
Licet Multa On Catholics in Belgium
Belgium Pope LEO XIII
1881.08.03
Diuturnum illud On the origin of civil power
state Pope LEO XIII
1881.06.29
Sancta Dei civitas On mission societies
mission Pope LEO XIII
1880.12.03
Grande munus Adding the liturgical feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius to the Universal Calendar
calendar saint Pope LEO XIII
1880.09.30
Arcanum divinæ On Christian marriage
marriage Pope LEO XIII
1880.02.10
Æterni Patris On the restoration of Christian philosophy
philosophy Pope LEO XIII
1879.08.04
Quod apostolici On socialism
social socialism Pope LEO XIII
1878.12.28
Inscrutabili Dei consilio On the evils of society
society Pope LEO XIII
1878.04.21
Quæ Patriarchatu On the problems of the Chaldean Catholics
Chaldean Church Eastern Churches
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1876.09.01
Graves ac diuturnæ On the Church in Switzerland
Switzerland
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1875.03.23
Quod numquam On the Church in Prussia, Kulturkampf
Germany
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1875.02.05
Omnem sollicitudinem On the Greek‐Ruthenian Rite
Eastern Churches Ruthenian Church
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1874.05.13
Vix dum a nobis On the Church in Austria
Austria
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1874.03.07
In magnis illis On the irregular consecratoin of Kaspar I. Rinkel as bishop of Harlem
Netherlands
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1873.12.27
Etsi multa luctuosa On the Church in Italy, Germany and Switzerland
Germany Italy Switzerland
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1873.11.21
Quartus supra vigesimum On the Church in Armenia
Armenia Armenian Church
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1873.01.06
Quæ In Patriarchatu On the Church in Chaldea
Chaldean Church Eastern Churches
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1872.11.16
Ordinem vestrum Lamenting that in some places the decisions of the First Vatican Council were opposed to
Vatican I
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1871.10.27
Sæpe Venerabiles Fratres On thanksgiving for 25 years of pontificate
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1871.08.05
Beneficia Dei On the 25th anniversary of his pontificate
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1871.06.04
Ubi nos arcano Dei On Papal States
Papal States
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1871.05.15
Respicientes ea omnia Protesting the taking of the Papal States
Papal States
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1870.11.01
Quo impensiore Threat of excommunication to the Armenian Church
Armenian Church Eastern Churches
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1870.05.20
Apostolici ministerio Naming an apostolic co‐visitator for the Armenian Church
Armenian Church Eastern Churches
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1870.04.05
Multiplices inter Reorganizing the ecclesiastical hierarchy in Ecuador
Ecuador
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1870.03.23
Non sine gravísimo To the patriarch of Constantinople on the situation of the Armenian Catholic Church
Armenian Church Eastern Churches
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1870.02.24
Iam vos omnes Inviting the separated Christians of the Catholic Church to restore unity
ecumenism
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1868.09.13
Arcano divinæ To all the bishops of the world, exhorting them to attend the First Vatican Council
Vatican I
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1868.09.08
Ex quo infensissimi Concession of decorations to the Papal Military and the French auxiliary troops by its performance in the battle of Mentana
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1867.11.14
Levate On the afflications of the Church
Poland Russia
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1867.10.27
Venerablis On the Church in Russia
Russia
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1867.10.17
Meridionali Americæ On the seminary for native clergy
seminary South America
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1865.09.30
Multiplices inter Against the masonry
freemasonry
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1865.09.25
Quanta cura Condemning current errors, accompanies the Syllabus of Errors
heresy
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1864.12.08
Maximæ quidem To bishops of Germany reunited in Bamberg
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1864.08.18
Germany Ubi urbaniano Russian persecution of Cathonlics in Poland
Poland
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1864.07.30
Multis gravissimis Canonical norms to follow in the dioceses of Sicily
Italy
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1864.01.28
Incredibili afflictamur To bishops of Bogota on persecution in New Granada
Chile Colombia
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1863.09.17
Quanto Conficiamur Mœrore On promotion of false doctrines
doctrine
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1863.08.10
Maximæ quidem On the Church in Bavaria
Germany
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1862.07.09
Amantissimus humani To bishops of the Eastern rite on the care of the churches
Eastern Churches
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1862.04.08
Iamdum cernimus On Italian revolutionaries
Italy
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1861.03.18
Multis gravibusque Denouncing the non‐ratification of the concordat signed by the Grand Duke of Baden with the Holy See
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1860.04.24
Novos et ante Protesting Victor Emmanuel
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1860.03.26
Nullius certe On the need for civil sovereignty
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1860.01.19
Maximo animi Protesting the occupation of Emilia by the troops of Victor Emmanuel II
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1859.09.26
Ad gravissimum On the necessity of the Holy See having temporal power
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1859.06.18
Qui Nuper On the Papal States
Papal States
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1859.06.18
Cum Sancta Mater Ecclesia Pleading for public prayer for the Papal States
Papal States
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1859.04.27
Amantissimi Redemptoris On priests and the care of souls, the Mass and its fruits
Mass priest
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1858.05.03
Cum nuper To bishops of Sicily on care for clerics
Italy priest
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1858.01.20
Singulari quidem On the Church in Austria
Austria
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1856.03.17
Optime noscitis On episcopal meetings
Austria bishop
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1855.11.05
Cum sæpe
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1855.07.26
Inter graves On the commemoration of the Immaculate Conception on December 8
calendar Mary
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1854.11.01
Apostolicæ nostræ caritatis Urging prayers for peace
peace
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1854.08.01
Optime noscitis On the proposed Catholic university for Ireland
education Ireland
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1854.03.20
Neminem vestrum To the clergy and faithful of Constantinople on the persecution of Armenians
Armenia
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1854.02.02
Inter multiplices Pleading for unity of spirit
France
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1853.03.21
Probe noscitis venerabiles On the discipline for clergy
Spain
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1852.05.17
Nemo certe ignorat To bishops of Ireland on the discipline for clergy
Ireland
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1852.03.25
Ex aliis nostris Conditions for obtaining indulgences in the extraordinary jubilee of 1852
jubilee
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1851.11.21
Exultavit cor nostrum On the effects of the Jubilee of 1852
jubilee
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1851.11.21
Si semper antea Thanking the European monarchs
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1850.08.14
Nostis et Nobiscum On the Church in the Papal States, condemning attempts to undermine religion in Italy
Italy Papal States
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1849.12.08
Quibus quantisque On the reestablishment of the Holy See in Rome
Rome Vatican City
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1849.08.12
Ubi primum On the Immaculate Conception
Mary
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1849.02.02
Non semel Against the attempts to proclaim the Republic of Rome
Italy
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1848.06.23
Romani e quanti On maintaining the public order and respecting the institutions
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1848.03.14
Ubi primum To religious superiors on the discipline for religious
religious
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1847.06.17
Prædecessores nostros On aid for Ireland
Ireland
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1847.03.25
Qui pluribus On communism, faith and religion
communism
BLESSED Pope PIUS IX
1846.11.09
Inter Præcipuas / Tra le principali Pope GREGORY XVI
1844.05.08
On biblical societies, condemning non‐Catholic Bible societies Bible
Quas vestro To bishops of Hungary on mixed marriages
Hungary marriage Pope GREGORY XVI
1841.04.30
Afflictas in Hispania Protesting Spanish interference in the appointments of the ecclesiastical hierarchy and the recent suppression of the religious orders
Spain
Pope GREGORY XVI
1841.03.01
Augustissimam Appealing for funds Pope GREGORY XVI
1840.12.21
Probe nostis On the propagation of the faith
evangelization Pope GREGORY XVI
1840.09.18
Commissum divinitus To clergy of Switzerland condemning the German state interference in Church affairs
state Switzerland Pope GREGORY XVI
1835.05.17
Singulari nos On the errors of Lammenais
doctrine Pope GREGORY XVI
1834.06.25
Quo graviora To bishops of the Rhineland on the 'Pragmatic Constitution'
Germany Pope GREGORY XVI
1833.10.04
Plura post On the jubilee of 1833
jubilee Pope GREGORY XVI
1832.12.02
Mirari vos On liberalism and religious indifferentism
doctrine Pope GREGORY XVI
1832.08.15
Cum primum To bishops of Poland on civil obedience
Poland state Pope GREGORY XVI
1832.06.09
Summo iugiter studio To bishops of Bavaria on mixed marriages
Germany marriage Pope GREGORY XVI
1832.05.27
Inter gravissimas To the Armenians of Constantinople
Armenian Church Pope GREGORY XVI
1832.02.03
Alli dilettissimi sudditi On cultural reforms in Italy
Italy Pope GREGORY XVI
1831.03
Chiamati della Divina Providenza On cultural reforms in Italy
Italy Pope GREGORY XVI
1831.02.09
Litteris alto On mixed marriages
marriage Pope PIUS VIII
1830.03.25
In supremi apostolatus On jubilee
jubilee Pope PIUS VIII
1829.06.18
Traditi humilitati On his program for the Pontificate, asking for prayers of his bishops Pope PIUS VIII
1829.05.24
Quanta lætitia Scotland
Pope LEO XII
1827.02.13
Quo graviora On secret societies Pope LEO XII
1826.03.13
Charitate Christi Extending the Jubilee to the universal Church
jubilee Pope LEO XII
1825.12.25
Ad plurimas easque gravissimas On the Basilica of St. Peter
basilica Pope LEO XII
1825.01.25
Quod hoc ineunte Proclaiming the Universal Jubilee of 1825
jubilee Pope LEO XII
1824.05.24
Ubi primum On his assuming the Pontificate Pope LEO XII
1824.05.05
Præclara quam Withdrawal of faculties from French bishoprics
France Pope PIUS VII
1820.05.16
Vineam quam plantavi New bishoprics in France
France Pope PIUS VII
1817.06.12
Il trionfo Pope PIUS VII
1814.05.18
Vix nova a nobis New concessions
France Pope PIUS VII
1809.02.27
Ecclesia Christi / La Chiesa di Gesu Cristo New distribution of dioceses in France
France Pope PIUS VII
1801.08.15
Tam multa New arrangements in French hierarchy
France Pope PIUS VII
1801.08.15
Ex quo Ecclesiam Pope PIUS VII
1800.05.24
Diu Satis To bishops of France on a return to Gospel principles
France Pope PIUS VII
1800.05.15
Charitas On the civil oath in France
France Pope PIUS VI
1791.04.13
Inscrutabile On the problems of the pontificate Pope PIUS VI
1775.12.25
Salutis nostræ Proclaiminig a universal jubilee
jubilee Pope CLEMENT XIV
1774.04.30
Cum summi Proclaiminig a universal jubilee
jubilee Pope CLEMENT XIV
1769.12.12
Inscrutabili divinæ sapientiæ To all Christians on proclaiming a universal jubilee
jubilee Pope CLEMENT XIV
1769.12.12
Decet quam maxime To bishops of Sardinia on abuses in taxes and benefices
Italy Pope CLEMENT XIV
1769.09.21
Summa quæ On the Church in Poland
Poland Pope CLEMENT XIII
1768.01.06
Christianæ reipublicæ To bishops of Austria on the daners of anti‐Christian writings
Austria Pope CLEMENT XIII
1766.11.25
In dominico agro On instruction in the faith
catechesis Pope CLEMENT XIII
1761.06.14
Appetente sacro On the spiritual advantages of fasting
fasting Pope CLEMENT XIII
1759.12.20
Cum primum On observing canonical sanctions
canon law Pope CLEMENT XIII
1759.09.17
A quo die On unity among Christians
ecumenism Pope CLEMENT XIII
1758.09.13
Ex omnibus To bishops of France on the apostolic constitution
France Pope BENEDICT XIV
1756.10.16
Ex quo primum To Greek‐rite bishops on the Euchologion
Eastern Churches Pope BENEDICT XIV
1756.03.01
Allatæ sunt To Eastern missionaries on the observance of Oriental rites
Eastern Churches Pope BENEDICT XIV
1755.07.26
Quod provinciale To bishops of Albania on Christians using Mohammedan names
Albania Muslims Pope BENEDICT XIV
1754.08.01
Cum religiosi To bishops of the States of the Church on catechesis
catechesis Pope BENEDICT XIV
1754.06.26
A quo primum To bishops of Poland on Jews and Christians living in the same place
Jews Poland Pope BENEDICT XIV
1751.06.14
Apostolica constitutio On preparation for the Holy Year
jubilee Pope BENEDICT XIV
1749.06.26
Peregrinantes To all the faithful proclaiming a Holy Year for 1750
jubilee Pope BENEDICT XIV
1749.05.05
Magnæ nobis To bishops of Poland on marriage impediments and dispensations
marriage Poland Pope BENEDICT XIV
1748.06.29
Vix pervenit To bishops of Italy on usury and other dishonest profit
Italy Pope BENEDICT XIV
1745.11.01
Nimiam licentiam To bishops of Poland on validity of marriages
marriage Poland Pope BENEDICT XIV
1743.05.18
Quanta cura Forbidding traffic in alms Pope BENEDICT XIV
1741.06.30
Ubi primum On the duties of bishops
bishop Pope BENEDICT XIV
1740.12.03