Who writes the Pope's writings?

[Tarquin]

After reading two of Benedict XVi’s books on Jesus, I was surprised by how different one of his Encyclicals seems in style and focus.

Do modern Popes write the entirety of their Encyclicals?
Do the Popes write them with close assistance by some sort of experts?
Do the Popes draft them, with professional writers filling them out afterwards?
Are they ghost-written?
. . . or what?

(Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere. A link would be appreciated.)

The following will not be tolerated:

1. Bashing the Holy Father

1. Passing judgment on him and his actions, because they don’t meet your approval or your preferences

1. Attempting to impose the model of previous popes on the new pope

1. Labeling the new pope

1. Speaking about his papacy in a negative way, without giving the man a chance

 

[Mrs_Sally]

I have no links, but based on Pope Emeritus Benedict’s background as a theologian and a professor, I’m sure he wrote all his own works. The same with JPII with his background. Popes may indeed consult with people, ask others to do some research, and or have certain people read and comment before publication, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t all their own work.

I will also say that the Jesus of Nazareth books were written for a different purpose and in a different style than an encyclical. An experienced, prolific writer often uses different “tones” in writing. One wouldn’t write something for work in the same way as a letter home for example.

 

[phil19034]

After reading two of Benedict XVi’s books on Jesus, I was surprised by how different one of his Encyclicals seems in style and focus.

Do modern Popes write the entirety of their Encyclicals?
Do the Popes write them with close assistance by some sort of experts?
Do the Popes draft them, with professional writers filling them out afterwards?
Are they ghost-written?
. . . or what?

(Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere. A link would be appreciated.)

Keep in mind that different “tone” could also be a result of the translation. I’m sure that the Pope writes it in one or two languages and then it’s translated into the others. Basically, the Pope doesn’t write in English.

Some Popes might use dictation, but I think its safe to say they write their own, with the use of editors, proofreaders, and translators.

God Bless.

 

[bcuster]

I think it has to do with the purpose of his writing. Pope Benedict is a gifted teacher. In reading his Jesus of Nazareth, he explains great theological truths so simple people can understand. When writing for his peers he does not need to do so. When writing an official church document, he uses ecclesial language. Pope Benedict wrote a good portion, if not the majority of Lumen Fidei. Pope Francis finished the document.

 

[anruari]

Also i believe pole benefices first encyclical was written by JPII and finished by Ben edict. Dittov with Francis’ first encyclical

 

[Tarquin]

I thank everyone for comments thus far. I appreciate each reply.

I don’t know the validity of what I found at slideshare.net/coutmatt/a-brief-presentation-of-lumen-fidei, but it sounds reasonable I read:

WHO WROTE LUMEN FIDEI ? Lumen Fidei – The light of faith (LF) is the first Encyclical signed by Pope Francis. Pope Francis explains that the Letter supplements Benedict XVI‟s Encyclicals on charity and hope, and takes up the “fine work” carried out by the Pope Emeritus, who had already “almost completed” the Encyclical on faith. Pope Francis has now added “further contributions” to this existing “first draft”. So he calls it the work of “four hands”.

So at least in some cases, the author given is that of the person taking final responsibility. As far as responsibility (for authorship of the final production) is concerned, this is valid. However, as far as history and literature are concerned, I do so much wish that each author had been listed. In fact, for those interested in textual analyses, they would like to know which specific sections are more the mind of one author (or co-drafter) than of another; when that isn’t given, they try to figure it out on their own anyway. Thanks again.

 

[Genesis315]

Many papal documents, past and present, are actually group efforts between the Pope, theologians, other clergy, etc. But when he promulgates them under his own name, he makes them his own, and they are then imbued with his authority only.

We sometimes forget given the talents of some recent Popes, but the Pope is not always the best theologians or the most learned Catholic–he often needs to make use of the means God has made available to him to teach and govern the Church. His authority comes from his office and its charisms, not his own personal merits.