Papal Publications

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cthulhubryan said:
What is the difference between an encyclical and a bull?
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These are two of the three broad categories of written Papal documents. The distinction is mainly the traditional form and audience of the message. Although some are considered more solemn than others, it is clear that the faithful should receive and respect ANY and ALL messages from the Pope (see Pius XII, Humani Generis). It would be a mistake for someone to say, “oh, that’s *just *an encyclical - I can ignore that:.”

The three types of written Papal documents are:


  1. *] **Bull **- Named after the “bulla” (metal seal) which authenticates them. This is a very formal document issued for very significant messages (for example, an Apostolic Constitution would be issued in the form of a Bull). Bulls are normally addressed to all the Faithful.
    *]**Encyclical **- A letter normally addressed to the world’s bishops.
    *]**Apostolic Letter **- A message issued under the authority of the Papal Office, but often not by the Pope himself, but by an authorized Papal official. The scope and audience could be very broad or very narrow.
 
DavidFilmer said:
These are two of the three broad categories of written Papal documents. The distinction is mainly the traditional form and audience of the message. Although some are considered more solemn than others, it is clear that the faithful should receive and respect ANY and ALL messages from the Pope (see Pius XII, Humani Generis). It would be a mistake for someone to say, “oh, that’s *just *an encyclical - I can ignore that:.”

The three types of written Papal documents are:


  1. *] **Bull **- Named after the “bulla” (metal seal) which authenticates them. This is a very formal document issued for very significant messages (for example, an Apostolic Constitution would be issued in the form of a Bull). Bulls are normally addressed to all the Faithful.
    *]**Encyclical **- A letter normally addressed to the world’s bishops.
    *]**Apostolic Letter **- A message issued under the authority of the Papal Office, but often not by the Pope himself, but by an authorized Papal official. The scope and audience could be very broad or very narrow.
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  1. Thanks! That helps. I always assumed that anything written by/under the Pope’s hand would be important.
 
cthulhubryan said:
I always assumed that anything written by/under the Pope’s hand would be important.
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Indeed. I mentioned *Humani Generis *which teaches on this point, notably article #20:
Nor must it be thought that what is expounded in Encyclical Letters does not of itself demand consent, since in writing such Letters the Popes do not exercise the supreme power of their Teaching Authority. For these matters are taught with the ordinary teaching authority, of which it is true to say: “He who heareth you, heareth me” (Luke 10:16); and generally what is expounded and inculcated in Encyclical Letters already for other reasons appertains to Catholic doctrine. But if the Supreme Pontiffs in their official documents purposely pass judgment on a matter up to that time under dispute, it is obvious that that matter, according to the mind and will of the Pontiffs, cannot be any longer considered a question open to discussion among theologians.
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You may read Humani Generis in full on the Vatican’s website:
vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_12081950_humani-generis_en.html
 
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