How to Read, Study and Benefit from Papal Encyclicals
Contents What 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
What is an Encyclical The 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.
How to Read and Study an Encyclical First, 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.
Are Encyclicals Infallible Teachings of a Pope Another 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.
History of Encyclicals The 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.
Why Read Encyclicals if You are Not Catholic? 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
Links to Other Encyclicals and Lists of All Encyclicals http://www.papalencyclicals.net/document‐directory
List of Encyclicals
Date Encyclicals (341) Author
Laudato si’
On the care for our common home Pope FRANCIS 2015.05.24
ecology social Lumen Fidei / The Light of Faith
On faith Pope FRANCIS 2013.06.29 faith Caritas in Veritate / Charity in Truth
On integral human development in charity and truth Pope BENEDICT XVI 2009.06.29 social Spe Salvi / Saved in Hope
On Christian hope Pope BENEDICT XVI 2007.11.30 hope Deus caritas est / God is Love
On Christian love Pope BENEDICT XVI 2005.12.25 love Ecclesia de Eucharistia / The Eucharist from the SAINT Pope JOHN Church 2003.04.17
On the Eucharist in Its relationship to the Church PAUL II ecclesiology Eucharist
Fides et ratio / Faith and Reason SAINT Pope JOHN On the relationship between faith and reason 1998.09.14 PAUL II doctrine reason
Ut unum sint / That They Be One SAINT Pope JOHN On commitment to ecumenism 1995.05.25 PAUL II ecclesiology ecumenism
Evangelium vitæ / The Gospel of Life SAINT Pope JOHN On the value and inviolability of human life 1995.03.25 PAUL II bioethics pro-life
Veritatis splendor / The Splendour of Truth SAINT Pope JOHN On certain fundamental questions of the Church's moral teaching 1993.08.06 PAUL II bioethics
Centesimus annus / Hundred Years SAINT Pope JOHN For the 100th anniversary of Rerum Novarum 1991.05.01 PAUL II social Redemptoris Missio / The Mission of the SAINT Pope JOHN Redeemer 1990.12.07
On the permanent validity of the Church's missionary mandate PAUL II Holy Spirit mission Sollicitudo rei socialis / The Social Concern of the SAINT Pope JOHN Church 1987.12.30 for the 20th anniversary of Popularum Progressio PAUL II social Redemptoris Mater / The Mother of the SAINT Pope JOHN Redeemer 1987.03.25
Proclaiming the Marian Year PAUL II Mary Dominum et vivificantem / The Lord the Giver of SAINT Pope JOHN Life 1986.05.18
On the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and the world PAUL II Holy Spirit
Slavorum apostoli / The Apostles of the Slavs SAINT Pope JOHN For the 11th centenary of the evangelizing work of Sts. Cyril and Methodius 1985.06.02 PAUL II saint
Laborem exercens SAINT Pope JOHN On human work, for the 90th Anniversary of Rerum Novarum 1981.09.14 PAUL II social
Dives in Misericordia / Rich in Mercy SAINT Pope JOHN On Divine Mercy 1980.11.30 PAUL II love Sacred Heart
Redemptor hominis / The Redeemer of Man SAINT Pope JOHN On the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the pilgrim Church 1979.03.04 PAUL II ecclesiology Mary
Humanæ vitæ / Human Life BLESSED Pope PAUL On the regulation of birth 1968.07.25 VI bioethics social Sacerdotalis Cælibatus / Priestly Celibacy BLESSED Pope PAUL On the celibacy of the priest 1967.06.24 VI priest Populorum progressio / The Development of BLESSED Pope PAUL Peoples 1967.03.26
On the development of peoples VI social
Christi Matri / Mother of Christ BLESSED Pope PAUL On prayers for peace during October 1966.09.15 VI Mary peace
Mysterium fidei / The Mystery of Faith BLESSED Pope PAUL On the Holy Eucharist 1965.09.03 VI Eucharist Mass
Mense maio / The Month of May BLESSED Pope PAUL On prayers during May for preservation of peace 1965.04.29 VI Mary peace
Ecclesiam suam BLESSED Pope PAUL On the Church 1964.08.06 VI ecclesiology
Pacem in terris / Peace on Earth SAINT Pope JOHN On establishing universal peace in truth, justice, charity, and liberty 1963.04.11 XXIII peace social
Pænitentiam agere / Doing Penance SAINT Pope JOHN On the need for the practice of interior and exterior penance 1962.07.01 XXIII fasting penance Æterna Dei sapientia / God’s Eternal Wisdom SAINT Pope JOHN For the 15th centenary of the death of St. Leo I: The See of Peter as the centre of Christian 1961.11.11 unity XXIII saint
Mater et Magistra / Mother and Teacher SAINT Pope JOHN On Christianity and social progress 1961.05.15 XXIII social Princeps pastorum / The Prince of the SAINT Pope JOHN Shepherds 1959.11.28
On the missions, native clergy and lay participation XXIII mission
Grata recordatio / Plesant Recollections SAINT Pope JOHN On the rosary: prayer for the Church, missions, international and social problems 1959.09.26 XXIII rosary social Sacerdotii nostri primordia / First Days of Our SAINT Pope JOHN Priesthood 1959.08.01
On St. John Vianney XXIII priest saint
Ad Petri Cathedram / To the Chair of Peter SAINT Pope JOHN On promoting under the impulse of charity, truth, unity and peace 1959.06.29 XXIII doctrine Meminisse iuvat
On prayers for the persecuted Church Pope PIUS XII 1958.07.14 peace Ad Apostolorum Principis / At the Tomb of the Prince of the Apostles / 《宗徒之長》通諭 Pope PIUS XII 1958.06.29 On communism and the Church in China China communism Miranda prorsus
On cinemas, radios and televisions Pope PIUS XII 1957.09.08 communication radio television Pilgrimage to Lourdes / Le Pèlerinage de Lourdes
On warning against materialism on the centenary of the apparitions of Lourdes Pope PIUS XII 1957.07.02 Lourdes Mary Invicti athletæ
On St. Andrew Bobola Pope PIUS XII 1957.05.16 saint Fidei donum
On the present condition of the Catholic missions, especially in Africa Pope PIUS XII 1957.04.21 Africa mission Datis nuperrime
On lamenting the sorrowful events in Hungary and condemning the ruthless use of force Pope PIUS XII 1956.11.05 Hungary peace Lætamur admodum
On renewing exhortation for prayers for peace for Poland, Hungary and the Middle East Pope PIUS XII 1956.11.01 Hungary peace Poland Luctuosissimi eventus / Sorrowful Events
On urging public prayers for peace and freedom for the people of Hungary Pope PIUS XII 1956.10.28 Hungary peace Haurietis aquas
On the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Pope PIUS XII 1956.05.15 Sacred Heart Musicæ sacræ / Sacred Music
On sacred music Pope PIUS XII 1955.12.25 liturgy music Ad Cæli Reginam / To the Queen of Heaven
On proclaiming the Queenship of Mary Pope PIUS XII 1954.10.11 Mary Ad Sinarum gentem / To the Chinese People / 《致中華人民》通 諭 Pope PIUS XII 1954.10.07 On the supranationality of the Church, sufferings of the Church in China China Ecclesiæ fastos
For the 12th centenary of St. Boniface Pope PIUS XII 1954.06.05 saint Sacra virginitas / Holy Virginity
On consecrated virginity Pope PIUS XII 1954.03.25 priest religious Fulgens corona / The Radiant Crown On proclaiming a Marian Year to commemorate the centenary of the definition of the dogma Pope PIUS XII 1953.09.08 of the Immaculate Conception jubilee Mary Doctor mellifluus
On the 12th centenary of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the last of the Fathers Pope PIUS XII 1953.05.24 saint Orientales Ecclesias
On the condition of the Eastern Churches Pope PIUS XII 1952.12.15 Eastern Churches Ingruentium malorum Pope PIUS XII 1951.09.15 On reciting the rosary Mary rosary Sempiternus Rex Christus / Christ the Eternal King Pope PIUS XII 1951.09.08 For the 15th centenary of the Council of Chalcedon Evangelii præcones
On promotion of Catholic missions Pope PIUS XII 1951.06.02 mission Mirabile illud / Admirable Prodigy
On the crusade of prayer for peace Pope PIUS XII 1950.12.06 peace Humani generis
On some false opinions threatening to undermine the foundations of Catholic doctrine Pope PIUS XII 1950.08.12 Bible doctrine evolution Summi mæroris
On public prayers for peace Pope PIUS XII 1950.07.19 peace Anni Sacri / The Holy Year
On a program for combatting atheistic propaganda throughout the World Pope PIUS XII 1950.03.12 doctrine Redemptoris nostri cruciatus / Passion of Our Redeemer Pope PIUS XII 1949.04.15 On the holy place of Palestine peace In multiplicibus curis
On prayers for peace in Palestine Pope PIUS XII 1948.10.24 peace Auspicia quædam
On public prayers for world peace and solution of the problem of Palestine Pope PIUS XII 1948.05.01 peace Optatissima pax
Prescribing public prayers for social and world peace Pope PIUS XII 1947.12.18 peace Mediator Dei / Mediator between God and Men
On the Sacred Liturgy Pope PIUS XII 1947.11.20 calendar divine office Eucharist liturgy Fulgens radiatur
On the 14th centenary of the most holy death of St. Benedict Pope PIUS XII 1947.03.21 saint Deiparæ Virginis Mariæ / Blessed Virgin Mary
On the possibility of defining the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a dogma of faith Pope PIUS XII 1946.05.01 Assumption Mary Quemadmodum
On assuming more eagerly at the present time the care of needy children Pope PIUS XII 1946.01.06 children Orientales omnes Ecclesias / All the Eastern Churches
On the 350th anniversary of the reunion of the Ruthenian Church with the Apostolic See Pope PIUS XII 1945.12.23 Eastern Churches Ruthenian Church Communium interpretes dolorum / Interpreter of the Universal Anguish Pope PIUS XII 1945.04.15 Appealing for prayers for peace during May peace Orientalis Ecclesiæ / Eastern Church
On the 15th centenary of St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria Pope PIUS XII 1944.04.09 saint Divino afflante Spiritu / Inspired by the Divine Spirit
On promoting Biblical studies, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Providentissimus Pope PIUS XII 1943.09.30 Deus Bible Mystici Corporis Christi / Mystical Body of Christ
On the Mystical Body of Christ Pope PIUS XII 1943.06.29 doctrine ecclesiology Sæculo exeunte octavo / Eighth Centenary
On the 8th centenary of the independence of Portugal Pope PIUS XII 1940.06.13 Portugal Sertum lætitiæ
On the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the hierarchy in the United States Pope PIUS XII 1939.11.01 USA Summi pontificatus / Supreme Pontiff
On the unity of human society Pope PIUS XII 1939.10.20 peace Sacred Heart Ingravescentibus malis
On the rosary Pope PIUS XI 1937.09.29 Mary rosary Nos Es Muy Conocida
On the religious situation in Mexico Pope PIUS XI 1937.03.28 Mexico Divini Redemptoris
On atheistic communism Pope PIUS XI 1937.03.19 communism Mit Brennender Sorge
On Nazism, the Church and the German Reich Pope PIUS XI 1937.03.14 communism Germany social Vigilanti cura
On motion pictures Pope PIUS XI 1936.06.29 communication movie Ad Catholici sacerdotii
On the Catholic priesthood Pope PIUS XI 1935.12.20 priest Dilectissima nobis
On the oppression of the Church of Spain Pope PIUS XI 1933.06.03 Spain Acerba Animi
On the persecution of the Church in Mexico Pope PIUS XI 1932.09.29 Mexico Caritate Christi compulsi
On the Sacred Heart of Jesus Pope PIUS XI 1932.05.03 Sacred Heart Lux veritatis Pope PIUS XI 1931.12.25 For the 15th centenary of the Council of Ephesus Nova impendet
On the economic crisis Pope PIUS XI 1931.10.02 economy Non Abbiamo Bisogno
On Catholic Action in Italy, fascism Pope PIUS XI 1931.06.29 Italy Quadragesimo Anno
On Reconstruction of the Social Order, for the 40th anniversary of Rerum Novarum Pope PIUS XI 1931.05.15 social Casti connubii
On Christian marriage Pope PIUS XI 1930.12.31 marriage Ad salutem
On the 15th centenary of St. Augustine Pope PIUS XI 1930.04.30 saint Divini illius magistri
On Christian education of youth Pope PIUS XI 1929.12.31 education Quinquagesimo ante Pope PIUS XI 1929.12.23 Sacerdotal jubilee Mens Nostra
On the promotion of the spiritual exercises Pope PIUS XI 1929.12.20 spiritual Rerum orientalium
On the reunion with the Eastern Churches Pope PIUS XI 1928.09.08 Eastern Churches Miserentissimus Redemptor
On reparation to the Sacred Heart Pope PIUS XI 1928.05.08 Sacred Heart Mortalium animos
Promoting true religious unity Pope PIUS XI 1928.01.06 ecumenism Iniquis afflictisque
On the persecution of the Church in Mexico Pope PIUS XI 1926.11.18 Mexico Rite Expiatis
For the 7th centenary of the death of St. Francis de Assisi Pope PIUS XI 1926.04.30 saint Rerum Ecclesiæ
On Catholic Missions Pope PIUS XI 1926.02.28 mission Quas Primas
On the Feast of Christ the King Pope PIUS XI 1925.12.11 calendar Sacred Heart Maximam gravissimamque
On French diocesan associations Pope PIUS XI 1924.01.18 France Ecclesiam Dei
For the 3rd centenary of the death of St. Josaphat Pope PIUS XI 1923.11.12 saint Studiorum ducem
For the 6th centenary of the canonization of St. Thomas Aquinas Pope PIUS XI 1923.06.29 saint Rerum omnium perturbationem
Declaring St. Francis de Sales as Patron of Writers, on the 3rd centenary of his death Pope PIUS XI 1923.01.26 saint Ubi Arcano
On the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ Pope PIUS XI 1922.12.23 social Fausto appetente die
For the 7th centenary of the death of St. Dominic Pope BENEDICT XV 1921.06.29 saint In præclara summorum
On the 6th centenary of the death of Dante Pope BENEDICT XV 1921.04.30 poetry Sacra Propediem
On the 7th centenary of the Third Order of St. Francis Pope BENEDICT XV 1921.01.06 saint Annus iam plenus
Appealing for help for the child war victims of Central Europe Pope BENEDICT XV 1920.12.01 Europe Principi Apostolorum Petro
On conferring upon St. Ephrem the Syrian the honour of Doctor of the Church Pope BENEDICT XV 1920.10.05 saint Spiritus Paraclitus
For the 15th centenary of the Death of St. Jerome Pope BENEDICT XV 1920.09.15 Bible Holy Spirit saint Pacem Dei
On Peace and Christian Reconciliation Pope BENEDICT XV 1920.05.23 peace Paterno iam diu
Appealing for help to the children of Central Europe Pope BENEDICT XV 1919.11.24 Europe In hac tanta
For the 12th centenary of the union of Germany with the Apostolic See due to St. Boniface Pope BENEDICT XV 1919.05.14 Germany saint Quod iam diu
On the Future Peace Conference Pope BENEDICT XV 1918.12.01 peace Humani generis redemptionem
On Preaching the Word of God Pope BENEDICT XV 1917.06.15 preaching Ad beatissimi Apostolorum Principis
Appealing for peace Pope BENEDICT XV 1914.11.01 peace Singulari quadam
On labour organizations SAINT Pope PIUS X 1912.09.24 Germany labour Lacrimabili Statu
On the conditions of Indians of South America SAINT Pope PIUS X 1912.06.07 South America Iamdudum
On the Law of Separation in Portugal SAINT Pope PIUS X 1911.05.24 Portugal state Editæ Sæpe
For the 3rd centenary of St. Charles Borromeo SAINT Pope PIUS X 1910.05.26 saint Communium Rerum
For the 8th centenary of the death of St. Anselm of Aosta SAINT Pope PIUS X 1909.04.21 saint
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 SAINT Pope PIUS X 1907.01.06 France state Gravissimo officii munere
Forbidding Associations culturelles SAINT Pope PIUS X 1906.08.10 France Pieni L’Animo
On the clergy in Italy SAINT Pope PIUS X 1906.07.28 Italy Tribus circiter annis
Condemning the Mariavites of Mystic Priests of Poland SAINT Pope PIUS X 1906.04.05 Poland Vehementer nos
On the French Law of Separation SAINT Pope PIUS X 1906.02.11 France state Il Fermo Proposito
On Catholic Action in Italy SAINT Pope PIUS X 1905.06.11 Italy Acerbo nimis
On Teaching Christian Doctrine SAINT Pope PIUS X 1905.04.15 catechesis education Iucunda Sane
For the 13th centenary of the death of Pope Gregory the Great SAINT Pope PIUS X 1904.03.12 saint Ad diem illum lætissimum
For the 50th anniverary of the definition of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception SAINT Pope PIUS X 1904.02.02 Mary E supremi apostolatus cathedra SAINT Pope PIUS X 1903.10.04 On the restoration of all things in Christ Dum multa
On marriage legislation Pope LEO XIII 1902.12.24 marriage Fin dal Principio
On the education of clergy Pope LEO XIII 1902.12.08 priest Quæ ad nos
On the Church in Bohemia and Moravia Pope LEO XIII 1902.11.22 Czech Republic Miræ caritatis
On the Holy Eucharist Pope LEO XIII 1902.05.28 Eucharist Quod votis
On the proposed Catholic university Pope LEO XIII 1902.04.30 education In amplissimo
On the Church in the United States Pope LEO XIII 1902.04.15 USA Urbanitatis veteris
On the foundation of a seminary in Athens Pope LEO XIII 1901.11.20 Greece Reputantibus
On the language question in Bohemia Pope LEO XIII 1901.08.20 Czech Republic Gravissimas
On religious orders in Portugal Pope LEO XIII 1901.05.16 Portugal Graves de communi Re
On Christian democracy Pope LEO XIII 1901.01.18 society Tametsi futura prospicientibus Pope LEO XIII 1900.11.01 On Jesus Christ the Redeemer Omnibus compertum
On unity among the Greek Melkites Pope LEO XIII 1900.07.21 Eastern Churches Greek-Melkite Church Paternæ
On the education of clergy Pope LEO XIII 1899.09.18 priest Depuis le jour
On the education of the clergy Pope LEO XIII 1899.09.08 priest Annum sacrum
On consecration to the Sacred Heart Pope LEO XIII 1899.05.25 Sacred Heart Quum diuturnum
On the Latin American Bishops' Plenary Council Pope LEO XIII 1898.12.25 South America Diuturni temporis
On the rosary Pope LEO XIII 1898.09.05 rosary Quam religiosa
On civil marriage law Pope LEO XIII 1898.08.16 marriage Peru Sæpe Numero / Spesse Volte
On the suppression of Catholic institutions Pope LEO XIII 1898.08.05 Italy Caritatis studium
On the Church in Scotland Pope LEO XIII 1898.07.25 Scotland Affari vos
On the Manitoba school question Pope LEO XIII 1897.12.18 Canada Augustissimæ Virginis Mariæ
On the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary Pope LEO XIII 1897.09.12 association rosary Militantis Ecclesiæ
For the 3rd centenary of the death of St. Peter Canisius Pope LEO XIII 1897.08.01 saint Divinum Illud munus
On the Holy Spirit Pope LEO XIII 1897.05.09 Holy Spirit Fidentem piumque animum Pope LEO XIII 1896.09.20 On the rosary Mary rosary Satis cognitum
On the unity of the Church Pope LEO XIII 1896.06.29 ecclesiology Insignes
On the Hungarian millennium Pope LEO XIII 1896.05.01 Hungary Adiutricem
On the rosary Pope LEO XIII 1895.09.05 Mary rosary Permoti nos
On social conditions in Belgium Pope LEO XIII 1895.07.10 Belgium Longinqua
On Catholicism in the United States Pope LEO XIII 1895.01.06 USA Christi Nomen
On propagation of the faith and Eastern Churches Pope LEO XIII 1894.12.24 Eastern Churches mission Orientalium Dignitas
On the Churches of the East Pope LEO XIII 1894.11.30 Eastern Churches Iucunda semper expectatione
On the rosary Pope LEO XIII 1894.09.08 rosary Litteras a vobis
On clergy in Brazil Pope LEO XIII 1894.07.02 Brazil Inter Graves
On the Church in Peru Pope LEO XIII 1894.05.01 Peru Caritatis providentiæque
On the Church in Poland Pope LEO XIII 1894.03.19 Poland Providentissimus Deus
On the study of Holy Scriptures Pope LEO XIII 1893.11.18 Bible Non mediocri
On the Spanish College in Rome Pope LEO XIII 1893.10.25 Spain Lætitiæ sanctæ
Commending devotion to the rosary Pope LEO XIII 1893.09.08 Mary rosary Constanti Hungarorum
On the Church in Hungary Pope LEO XIII 1893.09.02 Hungary Ad extremas
On seminaries for native clergy Pope LEO XIII 1893.06.24 India mission seminary Inimica vis
On freemasonry Pope LEO XIII 1892.12.08 freemasonry Custodi di quella Fede
On freemasonry Pope LEO XIII 1892.12.08 freemasonry Magnæ dei Matris
On the rosary Pope LEO XIII 1892.09.08 Mary rosary Quarto abeunte sæculo
On the Columbus quadricentennial Pope LEO XIII 1892.07.16 mission Inter gravissimas / Au milieu des sollicitudes
On the Church and State in France Pope LEO XIII 1892.02.16 France state Octobri mense
On the rosary Pope LEO XIII 1891.09.22 rosary Pastoralis officii Pope LEO XIII 1891.09.12 On the morality of dueling Pastoralis
On religious union Pope LEO XIII 1891.07.25 Portugal Rerum novarum
On capital and labour Pope LEO XIII 1891.05.15 labour social In Ipso
On episcopal reunions in Austria Pope LEO XIII 1891.03.03 Austria Catholicæ Ecclesiæ
On slavery in the missions Pope LEO XIII 1890.11.20 mission slavery Ab Apostolici solii / Dall’alto dell’Apostolico seggio
On freemasonry in Italy Pope LEO XIII 1890.10.15 freemasonry Italy Sapientiæ Christianæ
On Christians as citizens Pope LEO XIII 1890.01.10 social society Quamquam pluries
On devotion to St. Joseph Pope LEO XIII 1889.08.15 St. Joseph Magni nobis
On the Catholic University of America Pope LEO XIII 1889.03.07 USA Exeunte iam anno
On the right ordering of Christian life Pope LEO XIII 1888.12.25 moral society Etsi cunctas
On the Church in Ireland Pope LEO XIII 1888.12.21 Ireland Quam Ærumnosa
On Italian immigrants Pope LEO XIII 1888.12.10 USA Paterna caritas Pope LEO XIII 1888.07.25 On reunion with Rome of the Armenian Church Armenian Church Eastern Churches Sæpe nos
On boycotting in Ireland Pope LEO XIII 1888.06.24 Ireland Libertas præstantissimum
On the nature of human liberty Pope LEO XIII 1888.06.20 freedom In plurimis
On the abolition of slavery Pope LEO XIII 1888.05.05 slavery Quod anniversarius Pope LEO XIII 1888.04.01 On His golden jubilee of priestly ordination Officio sanctissimo
On the Church in Bavaria Pope LEO XIII 1887.12.22 Germany Vi è Ben Noto
On the rosary and public life Pope LEO XIII 1887.09.20 Italy rosary Pergrata nobis
On the Church in Portugal Pope LEO XIII 1886.09.14 Portugal Quod multum
On the Liberty of the Church Pope LEO XIII 1886.08.22 Hungary Iampridem nobis
On Catholicism in Germany Pope LEO XIII 1886.01.06 Germany Quod auctoritate apostolica
Proclaiming the Extraordinary Jubilee of 1886 Pope LEO XIII 1885.12.22 jubilee Spectata Fides
On Christian education Pope LEO XIII 1885.11.27 education Immortale Dei
On the Christian constitution of States Pope LEO XIII 1885.11.01 state Superiore anno
On the recitation of the rosary Pope LEO XIII 1884.08.30 rosary Humanum genus
On freemasonry Pope LEO XIII 1884.04.20 freemasonry Nobilissima Gallorum gens
On the religious question in France Pope LEO XIII 1884.02.08 France Supremi apostolatus officio
On devotion of the rosary Pope LEO XIII 1883.09.01 Mary rosary Cum multa sint
On conditions in Spain Pope LEO XIII 1882.12.08 Spain
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 Pope LEO XIII 1882.02.15 Italy Licet Multa
On Catholics in Belgium Pope LEO XIII 1881.08.03 Belgium Diuturnum illud
On the origin of civil power Pope LEO XIII 1881.06.29 state Sancta Dei civitas
On mission societies Pope LEO XIII 1880.12.03 mission Grande munus
Adding the liturgical feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius to the Universal Calendar Pope LEO XIII 1880.09.30 calendar saint Arcanum divinæ
On Christian marriage Pope LEO XIII 1880.02.10 marriage Æterni Patris
On the restoration of Christian philosophy Pope LEO XIII 1879.08.04 philosophy Quod apostolici
On socialism Pope LEO XIII 1878.12.28 social socialism Inscrutabili Dei consilio
On the evils of society Pope LEO XIII 1878.04.21 society Quæ Patriarchatu BLESSED Pope PIUS On the problems of the Chaldean Catholics 1876.09.01
IX Chaldean Church Eastern Churches
Graves ac diuturnæ BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Switzerland 1875.03.23 IX Switzerland
Quod numquam BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Prussia, Kulturkampf 1875.02.05 IX Germany
Omnem sollicitudinem BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Greek‐Ruthenian Rite 1874.05.13 IX Eastern Churches Ruthenian Church
Vix dum a nobis BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Austria 1874.03.07 IX Austria In magnis illis BLESSED Pope PIUS On the irregular consecratoin of Kaspar I. Rinkel as bishop of Harlem 1873.12.27 Netherlands IX
Etsi multa luctuosa BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Italy, Germany and Switzerland 1873.11.21 IX Germany Italy Switzerland
Quartus supra vigesimum BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Armenia 1873.01.06
IX Armenia Armenian Church Quæ In Patriarchatu BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Chaldea 1872.11.16 IX Chaldean Church Eastern Churches
Ordinem vestrum BLESSED Pope PIUS Lamenting that in some places the decisions of the First Vatican Council were opposed to 1871.10.27 IX Vatican I BLESSED Pope PIUS Sæpe Venerabiles Fratres 1871.08.05
On thanksgiving for 25 years of pontificate IX BLESSED Pope PIUS Beneficia Dei 1871.06.04
On the 25th anniversary of his pontificate IX
Ubi nos arcano Dei BLESSED Pope PIUS On Papal States 1871.05.15 IX Papal States
Respicientes ea omnia BLESSED Pope PIUS Protesting the taking of the Papal States 1870.11.01 IX Papal States
Quo impensiore BLESSED Pope PIUS Threat of excommunication to the Armenian Church 1870.05.20
IX Armenian Church Eastern Churches Apostolici ministerio BLESSED Pope PIUS Naming an apostolic co‐visitator for the Armenian Church 1870.04.05
IX Armenian Church Eastern Churches Multiplices inter BLESSED Pope PIUS Reorganizing the ecclesiastical hierarchy in Ecuador 1870.03.23 Ecuador IX Non sine gravísimo BLESSED Pope PIUS To the patriarch of Constantinople on the situation of the Armenian Catholic Church 1870.02.24
IX Armenian Church Eastern Churches Iam vos omnes BLESSED Pope PIUS Inviting the separated Christians of the Catholic Church to restore unity 1868.09.13 ecumenism IX Arcano divinæ BLESSED Pope PIUS To all the bishops of the world, exhorting them to attend the First Vatican Council 1868.09.08 Vatican I IX Ex quo infensissimi BLESSED Pope PIUS Concession of decorations to the Papal Military and the French auxiliary troops by its 1867.11.14
IX performance in the battle of Mentana
Levate BLESSED Pope PIUS On the afflications of the Church 1867.10.27 IX Poland Russia Venerablis BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Russia 1867.10.17 Russia IX
Meridionali Americæ BLESSED Pope PIUS On the seminary for native clergy 1865.09.30 IX seminary South America Multiplices inter BLESSED Pope PIUS Against the masonry 1865.09.25 freemasonry IX
Quanta cura BLESSED Pope PIUS Condemning current errors, accompanies the Syllabus of Errors 1864.12.08 IX heresy BLESSED Pope PIUS Maximæ quidem 1864.08.18
To bishops of Germany reunited in Bamberg IX Germany Ubi urbaniano BLESSED Pope PIUS Russian persecution of Cathonlics in Poland 1864.07.30 Poland IX Multis gravissimis BLESSED Pope PIUS Canonical norms to follow in the dioceses of Sicily 1864.01.28 Italy IX
Incredibili afflictamur BLESSED Pope PIUS To bishops of Bogota on persecution in New Granada 1863.09.17 IX Chile Colombia
Quanto Conficiamur Mœrore BLESSED Pope PIUS On promotion of false doctrines 1863.08.10 IX doctrine
Maximæ quidem BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Bavaria 1862.07.09 IX Germany
Amantissimus humani BLESSED Pope PIUS To bishops of the Eastern rite on the care of the churches 1862.04.08 IX Eastern Churches Iamdum cernimus BLESSED Pope PIUS On Italian revolutionaries 1861.03.18 Italy IX Multis gravibusque BLESSED Pope PIUS Denouncing the non‐ratification of the concordat signed by the Grand Duke of Baden with 1860.04.24
IX the Holy See BLESSED Pope PIUS Novos et ante 1860.03.26
Protesting Victor Emmanuel IX BLESSED Pope PIUS Nullius certe 1860.01.19
On the need for civil sovereignty IX BLESSED Pope PIUS Maximo animi 1859.09.26
Protesting the occupation of Emilia by the troops of Victor Emmanuel II IX BLESSED Pope PIUS Ad gravissimum 1859.06.18
On the necessity of the Holy See having temporal power IX
Qui Nuper BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Papal States 1859.06.18 IX Papal States
Cum Sancta Mater Ecclesia BLESSED Pope PIUS Pleading for public prayer for the Papal States 1859.04.27 IX Papal States
Amantissimi Redemptoris BLESSED Pope PIUS On priests and the care of souls, the Mass and its fruits 1858.05.03
IX Mass priest
Cum nuper BLESSED Pope PIUS To bishops of Sicily on care for clerics 1858.01.20 IX Italy priest
Singulari quidem BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in Austria 1856.03.17 IX Austria
Optime noscitis BLESSED Pope PIUS On episcopal meetings 1855.11.05 IX Austria bishop BLESSED Pope PIUS
Cum sæpe 1855.07.26
IX Inter graves BLESSED Pope PIUS On the commemoration of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 1854.11.01
IX calendar Mary
Apostolicæ nostræ caritatis BLESSED Pope PIUS Urging prayers for peace 1854.08.01 IX peace
Optime noscitis BLESSED Pope PIUS On the proposed Catholic university for Ireland 1854.03.20 IX education Ireland
Neminem vestrum BLESSED Pope PIUS To the clergy and faithful of Constantinople on the persecution of Armenians 1854.02.02 IX Armenia
Inter multiplices BLESSED Pope PIUS Pleading for unity of spirit 1853.03.21 IX France
Probe noscitis venerabiles BLESSED Pope PIUS On the discipline for clergy 1852.05.17 IX Spain
Nemo certe ignorat BLESSED Pope PIUS To bishops of Ireland on the discipline for clergy 1852.03.25 IX Ireland
Ex aliis nostris BLESSED Pope PIUS Conditions for obtaining indulgences in the extraordinary jubilee of 1852 1851.11.21 IX jubilee
Exultavit cor nostrum BLESSED Pope PIUS On the effects of the Jubilee of 1852 1851.11.21 IX jubilee BLESSED Pope PIUS Si semper antea 1850.08.14
Thanking the European monarchs IX
Nostis et Nobiscum BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Church in the Papal States, condemning attempts to undermine religion in Italy 1849.12.08 IX Italy Papal States Quibus quantisque BLESSED Pope PIUS On the reestablishment of the Holy See in Rome 1849.08.12
IX Rome Vatican City
Ubi primum BLESSED Pope PIUS On the Immaculate Conception 1849.02.02 IX Mary Non semel BLESSED Pope PIUS Against the attempts to proclaim the Republic of Rome 1848.06.23 Italy IX BLESSED Pope PIUS Romani e quanti 1848.03.14
On maintaining the public order and respecting the institutions IX
Ubi primum BLESSED Pope PIUS To religious superiors on the discipline for religious 1847.06.17 IX religious
Prædecessores nostros BLESSED Pope PIUS On aid for Ireland 1847.03.25 IX Ireland
Qui pluribus BLESSED Pope PIUS On communism, faith and religion 1846.11.09 IX communism
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 Pope GREGORY XVI 1841.04.30 Hungary marriage Afflictas in Hispania Protesting Spanish interference in the appointments of the ecclesiastical hierarchy and the Pope GREGORY XVI 1841.03.01 recent suppression of the religious orders Spain Augustissimam
Pope GREGORY XVI 1840.12.21 Appealing for funds Probe nostis
On the propagation of the faith Pope GREGORY XVI 1840.09.18 evangelization Commissum divinitus
To clergy of Switzerland condemning the German state interference in Church affairs Pope GREGORY XVI 1835.05.17 state Switzerland Singulari nos
On the errors of Lammenais Pope GREGORY XVI 1834.06.25 doctrine Quo graviora
To bishops of the Rhineland on the 'Pragmatic Constitution' Pope GREGORY XVI 1833.10.04 Germany Plura post
On the jubilee of 1833 Pope GREGORY XVI 1832.12.02 jubilee Mirari vos
On liberalism and religious indifferentism Pope GREGORY XVI 1832.08.15 doctrine Cum primum
To bishops of Poland on civil obedience Pope GREGORY XVI 1832.06.09 Poland state Summo iugiter studio
To bishops of Bavaria on mixed marriages Pope GREGORY XVI 1832.05.27 Germany marriage Inter gravissimas
To the Armenians of Constantinople Pope GREGORY XVI 1832.02.03 Armenian Church Alli dilettissimi sudditi
On cultural reforms in Italy Pope GREGORY XVI 1831.03 Italy Chiamati della Divina Providenza
On cultural reforms in Italy Pope GREGORY XVI 1831.02.09 Italy Litteris alto
On mixed marriages Pope PIUS VIII 1830.03.25 marriage In supremi apostolatus
On jubilee Pope PIUS VIII 1829.06.18 jubilee Traditi humilitati Pope PIUS VIII 1829.05.24 On his program for the Pontificate, asking for prayers of his bishops Quanta lætitia Pope LEO XII 1827.02.13 Scotland Quo graviora Pope LEO XII 1826.03.13 On secret societies Charitate Christi
Extending the Jubilee to the universal Church Pope LEO XII 1825.12.25 jubilee Ad plurimas easque gravissimas
On the Basilica of St. Peter Pope LEO XII 1825.01.25 basilica Quod hoc ineunte
Proclaiming the Universal Jubilee of 1825 Pope LEO XII 1824.05.24 jubilee Ubi primum Pope LEO XII 1824.05.05 On his assuming the Pontificate Præclara quam
Withdrawal of faculties from French bishoprics Pope PIUS VII 1820.05.16 France Vineam quam plantavi
New bishoprics in France Pope PIUS VII 1817.06.12 France
Il trionfo Pope PIUS VII 1814.05.18 Vix nova a nobis
New concessions Pope PIUS VII 1809.02.27 France Ecclesia Christi / La Chiesa di Gesu Cristo
New distribution of dioceses in France Pope PIUS VII 1801.08.15 France Tam multa
New arrangements in French hierarchy Pope PIUS VII 1801.08.15 France
Ex quo Ecclesiam Pope PIUS VII 1800.05.24 Diu Satis
To bishops of France on a return to Gospel principles Pope PIUS VII 1800.05.15 France Charitas
On the civil oath in France Pope PIUS VI 1791.04.13 France Inscrutabile
Pope PIUS VI 1775.12.25 On the problems of the pontificate Salutis nostræ
Proclaiminig a universal jubilee Pope CLEMENT XIV 1774.04.30 jubilee Cum summi
Proclaiminig a universal jubilee Pope CLEMENT XIV 1769.12.12 jubilee Inscrutabili divinæ sapientiæ
To all Christians on proclaiming a universal jubilee Pope CLEMENT XIV 1769.12.12 jubilee Decet quam maxime
To bishops of Sardinia on abuses in taxes and benefices Pope CLEMENT XIV 1769.09.21 Italy Summa quæ
On the Church in Poland Pope CLEMENT XIII 1768.01.06 Poland Christianæ reipublicæ
To bishops of Austria on the daners of anti‐Christian writings Pope CLEMENT XIII 1766.11.25 Austria In dominico agro
On instruction in the faith Pope CLEMENT XIII 1761.06.14 catechesis Appetente sacro
On the spiritual advantages of fasting Pope CLEMENT XIII 1759.12.20 fasting Cum primum
On observing canonical sanctions Pope CLEMENT XIII 1759.09.17 canon law A quo die
On unity among Christians Pope CLEMENT XIII 1758.09.13 ecumenism Ex omnibus
To bishops of France on the apostolic constitution Pope BENEDICT XIV 1756.10.16 France Ex quo primum
To Greek‐rite bishops on the Euchologion Pope BENEDICT XIV 1756.03.01 Eastern Churches Allatæ sunt
To Eastern missionaries on the observance of Oriental rites Pope BENEDICT XIV 1755.07.26 Eastern Churches Quod provinciale
To bishops of Albania on Christians using Mohammedan names Pope BENEDICT XIV 1754.08.01 Albania Muslims Cum religiosi
To bishops of the States of the Church on catechesis Pope BENEDICT XIV 1754.06.26 catechesis A quo primum
To bishops of Poland on Jews and Christians living in the same place Pope BENEDICT XIV 1751.06.14 Jews Poland Apostolica constitutio
On preparation for the Holy Year Pope BENEDICT XIV 1749.06.26 jubilee Peregrinantes
To all the faithful proclaiming a Holy Year for 1750 Pope BENEDICT XIV 1749.05.05 jubilee Magnæ nobis
To bishops of Poland on marriage impediments and dispensations Pope BENEDICT XIV 1748.06.29 marriage Poland Vix pervenit
To bishops of Italy on usury and other dishonest profit Pope BENEDICT XIV 1745.11.01 Italy Nimiam licentiam
To bishops of Poland on validity of marriages Pope BENEDICT XIV 1743.05.18 marriage Poland Quanta cura
Pope BENEDICT XIV 1741.06.30 Forbidding traffic in alms Ubi primum
On the duties of bishops Pope BENEDICT XIV 1740.12.03 bishop