encyclical
Letter addressed by the pope to Roman Catholic bishops for the benefit of the people. The first was issued by Benedict XIV in 1740, but encyclicals became common only in the 19th century. They may be doctrinal (condemning errors), exhortative (recommending devotional activities), or commemorative.
Recent encyclicals include Pacem in terris (Pope John XXIII, 1963), Sacerdotalis celibatus (on the celibacy of the clergy, Pope Paul VI, 1967), and Humanae vitae (Pope Paul VI, 1967, on methods of contraception). Encyclicals are written in Latin.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|
?Sign in  |
|---|