Papal Encyclical Library
| Go to Pope: | Benedict XIV Clement XIII Clement XIV Pius VI Pius VII Leo XII Pius VIII Gregory XVI Pius IX Leo XIII Pius X Benedict XV Pius XI Pius XII John XXIII Paul VI John Paul II Benedict XVI | |
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Ubi Primum (Duties of Bishops) Benedict XIV |
Exhorts bishops to ensure that their clergy are worthy, to establish and or enlarge seminaries if necessary, to visit the parishes of their dioceses regularly, and in general to be true pastors of their flocks. | 1740 |
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A Quo Primum (Jews and Christians) Benedict XIV |
Places restrictions on the position of Jews in Christian society in response to the Jewish oppression of Polish Christians. Yet he quotes St. Bernard that Jews are not to be 'persecuted, slaughtered, or driven out.' | 1741 |
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Quanta Cura (Traffic in Alms) Benedict XIV |
Forbids the dishonest use of Mass alms and stipends by the clergy, some of whom had been collecting stipends, using them to have Mass said in a place where the stipend was lower, and keeping the difference. | 1741 |
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Nimiam Licentiam (Validity of Marriages) Benedict XIV |
Condems clandestine marriages and restates certain rules concerning witnesses for valid marriages. | 1743 |
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Allatae Sunt (Observance of Oriental Rites) Benedict XIV |
Chiefly concerning the practices of the uniate Churches; also summarizes the history of relations with the schismatic Greek churches. For the uniate Churches, the Pope shows that the constant policy of Rome has been respect, but strict separation of rites. | 1745 |
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Vix Pervenit (On Usary) Benedict XIV |
Condemning usury and other dishonest profit. | 1745 |
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Magnae Nobis (On Marriage Impediments and Dispensations) Benedict XIV |
Comdemns marriages of Catholics with heretics. | 1748 |
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Apostolica Constitutio (Preparation for Holy Year) Benedict XIV |
Written in preparation for the recently proclaimed Holy Year of 1750. Stresses pilgrimages, indulgences and confession, giving histories of pilgrimages and some indulgences. | 1750 |
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Peregrinantes (Holy Year for 1750) Benedict XIV |
Proclaims a Holy Year for 1750, grants indulgences for that year, calls for a war against vice among the faithful and a return to the Church by those who had left, and finally gives advice to secular leaders. | 1749 |
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Cum Religiosi (On Catechesis) Benedict XIV |
To the bishops of Italy, exhorting them to continue their diligence in ensuring that all the faithful know the fundamentals of the faith. | 1754 |
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Quod Provinciale (Mohammedan Names) Benedict XIV |
Forbids Christians living in Moslem territories to take or use Mohammedan names to avoid taxation and other persecution. | 1754 |
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Allatae Sunt (Observance of Oriental Rites) Benedict XIV |
Chiefly concerning the practices of the uniate Churches; also summarizes the history of relations with the schismatic Greek churches. For the uniate Churches, the Pope shows that the constant policy of Rome has been respect, but strict separation of rites. | 1755 |
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Ex Omnibus (On the Ap.Const. Unigenitus) Benedict XIV |
The question had arisen of whether those denying the authority of 'Unigenitus' should be refused viaticum. The Pope responds by issuing guidelines for the refusal of viaticum. | 1756 |
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Ex Quo (On the Euchologion) Benedict XIV |
To bishops and priests of the Greek Rite, containing certain admonitions concerning the ceremonies contained in the Euchologion, the book containing the rites of the Greek Churches. | 1756 |
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A Quo Die (On Unity among Christians) Clement XIII |
Clement exhorts the bishops to unity and charity towards their flocks, condemns desire for glory, and commends almsgiving, prayer, frequent offering of the the Mass, and sound teaching. He exhorts them not to ordain men unsuited to the priesthood, and speaks on the duties of priests and bishops. | 1758 |
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Appetente Sacro (On the Spiritual Advantages of Fasting) Clement XIII |
Calls the bishops to enforce the Lenten fast, and speaks of the spiritual benefits to be gained by its observance. | 1759 |
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Cum Primum (On Observing Canonical Sanctions) Clement XIII |
Clement condemns clergy who seek wealth, and imposes penalties. He condemns erroneous interpretations of Canon Law in these matters, and forbids money changing and other abuses by priests. | 1759 |
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In Dominico Agro (On Instruction in the Faith) Clement XIII |
Clement speaks of the difficulties of formulating doctrine. He says that the faithful should not be instructed in controverted matters of theology, but only in certain doctrine. He praises the Roman Catechism, and finally enumerates the qualities of a good teacher. | 1761 |
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Christianae Reipublicae (On...Anti-Christian Writings) Clement XIII |
Clement speaks of philosophically and theologically erroneous writings, as well as pornography. He reminds the bishops of their duty to destroy evil books, and urges them to call on Catholic civil rulers for aid in their war against evil literature. | 1766 |
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Summa Quae (On the Church in Poland) Clement XIII |
Clement condemns certain imprudent compacts made by Polish bishops with the civil authorities. | 1768 |
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Decet Quam Maxime (On Abuses in Taxes & Benefices) Clement XIV |
Written to aid the Bishops of Sardinia in combatting simony in their dioceses. | 1769 |
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Inscrutabili Divinae Sapientiae (Proclaiming a Universal Jubilee) Clement XIV |
Clement proclaims a universal jubilee with an accompanying plenary indulgences, to mark the beginning of his pontificate. | 1769 |
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Salutis Nostrae (Faith and Reason) Clement XIV |
Clement proclaims a Holy Year for 1775, and grants a plenary indulgences to those who make a pilgrimage to Rome during that year, fulfilling the requirements which he sets forth. | 1774 |
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Inscrutabile (On the Problems of the Pontificate) Pius VII |
The Pope speaks of the dangers confronting the Church, he insists that only those with exceptional moral holiness should be admitted to the Church's service and urges that special attention be given to the beauty of the churches. He 'mourns over' the heretical sects. | 1775 |
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Charitas (On the Civil Oath in France) Pius VII |
Pope Pius VI writes about the Civil Constitution of the Clergy which was approved by the National Assembly in France and which he said would lead the french people into error and schism. | 1791 |
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Diu Satis (On a Return to Gospel Principles) Pius VII |
'Diu satis.' Encyclical of 15 May 1800. Pius speaks of various threats to the Church, including 'false apostles' who corrupt the young, and heretical books. | 1800 |
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Ubi Primum/strong> (On His Assuming the Pontificate) Leo XII | 'Ubi primum' Encyclical of 5 May 1824. Leo calls the bishops to be good pastors, decries religious indifferentism, and condemns the Bible Society for distributing indiscriminately its own translations of the Bible to the common people, without regard for the possibility of misinterpretation. | 1824 |
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Quod Hoc Ineunte (Proclaiming a Universal Jubilee) Leo XII | Leo proclaims a Holy Year for 1825, and calls all to join in with good will and piety. | 1824 |
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Charitate Christi (Extending Jubilee to Entire Church) Leo XII | Leo extends the jubilee of 1825, with the accompanying indulgences. He speaks of the severity of penances in the earlier Church, the easier requirements now in effect, indulgences, penance, the Sabbath, threats to the Church and society, supervision of clerics, and care for those in need. | 1825 |
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Traditi Humilitati. (On His Program for the Pontificate) Pius VIII | Pius speaks of a number of problems facing the Church as he begins his pontificate. | 1829 |
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Cum Primum (On Civil Obedience) Gregory XVI | Gregory writes to the Polish bishops to combat the error of certain men who under the pretext of religion were inciting disobedience and rebellion against civil authority. | 1832 |
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Mirari Vos (On Liberalism & Indifferentism) Gregory XVI | Gregory condemns mistaken notions of modern times such as disregard for Church discipline, rejection of papal authority, clerical celibacy, and marriage, indifferentism, freedom of conscience, freedom of the press. He also speaks of the divine origin of all authority. | 1832 |
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Summo Iugiter Studio (On Mixed Marriages) Gregory XVI | 'Summo iugiter studio' Encyclical of 27 May 1832. Gregory condemns the practice of mixed marriages, especially in Bavaria. | 1832 |
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Quo Graviora (On the Pragmatic Constitution) Gregory XVI |
Quo Graviora was addressed to the bishops of Rhineland and confirmed the prohibition of membership in Masonic Lodges in perpetuity. | 1833 |
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Singulari Nos (On the Errors of Lammenais) Gregory XVI | Gregory condemns a heretical pamphlet written by the bishop of Rennes. | 1834 |
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Commissum Divinitus (On Church and State) Gregory XVI | Gregory condemns the articles passed by an assembly at Baden concerning the relationship of Church and state, and sets forth the correct view of aspects of this problem. | 1835 |
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Probe Nostis (On the Propogation of the Faith) Gregory XVI | Gregory speaks of the exigencies of continuing to spread the faith in an age when the Church is under attack from renegades and heretics. He speaks especially of new societies formed to spread the faith and promote virtue. | 1840 |
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Quas Vestro (On Mixed Marriages) Gregory XVI | Greogry writes to the prelates of Hungary condemning mixed marriages and encouraging them to eradicate this evil. | 1841 |
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Inter Praecipuas (On Biblical Societies) Gregory XVI | Gregory condemns non-Catholic biblical societies devoted to spreading vernacular translations of the Bible among the Catholic laity, and thus leading them away from the Faith by false translation and interpretation. | 1844 |
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Qui Pluribus (On Faith and Religion) Pius IX | Pius, upon assuming the pontificate, writes to the bishops concerning the errors of modern times concerning faith and religion. He speaks at lenght concerning the clergy, especially their education and duties. | 1846 |
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Praedecessores Nostros (On Aid for Ireland) Pius IX | Pius calls upon the bishops of the world to proclaim three days of public prayer for the Irish, who were suffering from persecutions, famine and disease. He also urges them to collect alms for the their relief. | 1847 |
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Ubi Primum (On Discipline for Religious) Pius IX | Pius praises religious orders, and exhorts their members to ignore the attractions of the world and remain faithful to their calling. He announces the establishment of the Congregation on the State of Regulars to help oversee the renewal of discipline within the orders. | 11847 |
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Nostis et Nobiscum (On the Church in the Pontifical States) Pius IX | Pius comments on the political situation in Rome and the surrounding areas, with particular attention to socialism and communism. | 1849 |
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Ubi Primum (On the Immaculate Conception) Pius IX | Pius notes the requests from the Catholic world that the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception be infallibly defined, and that the conception of Mary receive further honor in the liturgy. He accedes to the latter and asks the bishops for their opinion on the former. | 1849 |
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Exultavit Cor Nostrum (On the Effects of the Jubilee) Pius IX | Pius expresses thanks for the spiritual benefits of the Jubilee year, while at the same time deploring current evils and calling on God for help. | 1851 |
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Nemo Certe Ignorat (On Discipline for Clergy) Pius IX | Pius urges the bishops of Ireland to unite among themselves, and with the bishops of England and Scotland, to resist current evils. He encourages them in their efforts to found Catholic University of Ireland, and speaks of the life and duties of clerics. | 1852 |
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Probe Noscitis Venerabiles (On the Discipline for Clergy ) Pius IX | Pius exhorts the bishops of Spain to strive together for the rights of the Church, and to carefully train form and educate their clergy. | 1852 |
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Inter Multiplices (Pleading for Unity of Spirit) Pius IX | Pius writes the bishops of France to eliminate dissensions, form and train their clergy, encourage Catholic writers, and adhere to Rome. | 1853 |
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Apostolicae Nostrae Caritatis (Urging Prayers for Peace) Pius IX | Encyclical of 1 Aug 1854. Pius recalls to the bishops the trials of the Church, especially the errors of indifferentism and unbelief. To combat these, he encourages the faithful to make reparation to God, and grant a plenary indulgence for certain acts of piety in order to encourage them. | 1854 |
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Neminem Vestrum (On the Persecution of the Armenians) Pius IX | Pius condemns dissensions and schisms in the Armenian Church, as well as false attempts at unity. He addresses and encourages by group the bishops, priests and laity of that region. | 1854 |
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Optime Noscitis (On the Catholic U. of Ireland) Pius IX | Pius commands the Irish bishops to go ahead with their plans to found a Catholic University in Ireland and a pproves their choice of then Father John Henry Newman as rector of the proposed University. | 1854 |
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On Episcopal Meetings (Optime Noscitis) Pius IX | Writing to the bishops of the Austrian Empire, Pius praises the piety and zeal of the Church of Emperor Franz Josef, and, following on a recent agreement of the same with the Holy See, urges the clergy of the Empire to provide for the good of their people by holding provincial and diocesan synods, etc. | 1855 |
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Singulari Quidem (On the Church in Austria) Pius IX | Pius praises the bishops of Austria for implementing Concordat between the Emporer Franz Josef and the Holy See; he then addresses various evils afflicting the Church, speaks of the true meaning of progress in the Church, on the education of clergy and youth, etc. | 1856 |
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Amantissimi Redemptoris (On Priests and the Care of Souls) Pius IX | Pius speaks of the benefits of the Mass, and the obligation of offering and attending Mass. He lays down a new ruling on when Mass must be offered. | 1858 |
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Cum Nuper (On Care for Clerics) Pius IX | Writing to the bishops of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Pius grieves for the victims of recent earthquakes there, and commens the people to good morals to prevent future scourges. He comdemns the excesses of some of the clergy, gives guidelines for who should be ordained, and speaks of the responsibilities of the clergy. | 1858 |
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Cum Sancta Mater Ecclesia (Pleading for Public Prayer) Pius IX | Pius asks the bishops to order public prayers in their dioceses that God might 'turn his wrath from us and banish war to the very ends of the earth'. | 1859 |
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Qui Nuper (On Pontifical States) Pius IX | Pius informs the bishops of the rebellions taking place in the papal states, and asks their prayers. | 1859 |
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Nullis Certe Verbis (On the Need for Civil Sovereignty ) Pius IX | Pius thanks the bishops for supporting him in the struggle against rebellion in the papal states by their prayers and teaching. He rejects Napoleon III's council to surrender the rebellious provinces, and asks the bishops for their continued support. | 1860 |
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Amantissimus (On the Care of the Churches) Pius IX | Pius, writing to the Eastern Bishops, speaks on papal authority, while reassuring them that Rome has no intention of forcing the Latin Rite on the Oriental. Churches. He announces the establishment of a new Congregation to manage the affairs of these Churches, and asks the bishops' cooperation. | 1862 |
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Incredibili (On Persecution in New Granada) Pius IX | Pius, writing to the bishops of New Granada, decries the persecution to which the Church of that nation is subject, and laments that some clerics have sided with the government. He condemns the government, calls on its leaders to repent, and exhorts the Church to prayer. | 1863 |
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Quanto Conficiamur Moerore (On Promotion of False Doctrines) Pius IX | Pius laments the attacks of unbelief, indifferentism and liberalism on the Church, and calls for renewed prayers. | 1863 |
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Maximae Quidem (Maximae Quidem) Pius IX | Pius rejoices at the synod held by the Bavarian bishops at which they laid plans for the safeguarding of their Churches. He exhorts them and their priests to defend the rights of the Church, especially with regard to public schools. | 1864 |
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Quanta Cura (Pius IX's Syllabus of Errors) Pius IX | 'Quanta Cura' Encyclical promulgated on December 8, 1864. | 1864 |
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Meridionali Americae (Seminary for Native Clergy) Pius IX | Pius expresses to the South American bishops his joy at the increase in native clergy and expresses his concern for their proper formation. | 1865 |
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Levate (On the Afflictions of the Church) Pius IX | Pius describes and condemns the evils perpetrated against the Church in Italy, Poland and Russia, commands public prayer throughout the Church, and grants a plenary indulgence to encourage participation. | 1867 |
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Respicientes (Taking of the Pontifical States) Pius IX | Pius relates the history of the war between Piedmont and the Papal States, the occupation of Rome and the evils following therefrom. He protests the usurpation of his authority, excommunicates the usurpers, and hopes for their repentance. | 1870 |
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Beneficia Dei (25th Ann. of Pontificate) Pius IX | Pius reviews the successes and trials of his pontificate, gives thanks to God, and grants indulgences. | 1871 |
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Saepe Venerabiles Fratres (Thanksgiving for 25 Years) Pius IX | Pius notes the record length of his papacy, and gives thanks for the congratulations and gifts of the faithful. | 1871 |
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Ubi Nos (On the Pontifical States) Pius IX | Pius thanks the bishops for their prayer for the liberation of the papal states, gives them an update on the situation, and asks for renewed prayers. He also explains the necessity of civil rule for the papacy, and calls on rules to unite ro restore the rights of the Holy See. | 1871 |
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Quae in Patriarchatu (On the Church in Chaldea) Pius IX | Pius summarizes the history of Patriarch Joseph Audo, Patriarch of Babylonia of the Chaldeans with the Holy See, and accepts the Patriarch's latest repentance. | 1872 |
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Etsi Multa (Church in Italy, Germany and Switzerland) Pius IX | Pius denounces actions against the Church by the governments of Italy, Germany and Switzerland, and encourages Catholics by reminding them of the indefectibility of the Church. | 1873 |
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Quartus Supra (On the Church in Armenia) Pius IX | Pius discusses the new schism of certain Armenians in Constantinople, and advises the faithful not to be led astray. He also addresses the nature of schism. | 1873 |
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Gravibus Ecclesiae (Proclaiming a Jubilee for 1875) Pius IX | Pius proclaims 1875 to be a Jubilee year, announces the requirements for gaining the Jubilee indulgence, and encourages good works. He also gives advice to the clergy. | 1874 |
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Omnem Sollicitudinem (On the Greek-Ruthenian Rite) Pius IX | Pius forbids any changes to be made in the Eastern liturgies, especially in the Greco-Ruthenian Rite, also condeming the 'pseudo-administrator' in the diocese of Chelm, who has usurped power there and introduced changes in the liturgy. | 1874 |
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Vix Dum a Nobis (On the Church in Austria) Pius IX | Pius condemns proposed legislation being considered by the Austrian assembly, which would if passed assert civil authority over the Church. He exhorts the Austrian bishops to fight to forestall the proposed laws. | 1874 |
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Graves ac Diuturnae (On the Church in Switzerland) Pius IX | Pius condemns the schismatic Old Catholics, condemns anti-Catholic marriage laws, and exhorts the faithful to obey their pastors. | 1875 |
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Quod Nunquam (On the Church in Prussia) Pius IX | Pius condemns new laws passed against the Church in Prussia, and encourages the bishops of that country to be subject to civil authority when appropriate, but to obey God before men. | 1875 |
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Adiutricem (On the Rosary) Leo XIII | Adiutricem Promulgated on September 5, 1887. | 1877 |
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Apostolic Muneris (On the Evils of Socialsim) Leo XIII | Analysis of the evils of socialism thirty years after the Revolution of 1848, with particular stress on the Catholic view of the social order. | 1878 |
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Inscrutabili Dei Consilio (On the Evils of Society) Leo XIII | 'Inscrutabili Dei Consilio' Pope Leo XIII laments the evils by 'which the human race is oppressed on every side'. | 1878 |
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Aeterni Patris (On Restoring Christian Philosophy ) Leo XIII | 'Aeterni Patris' Promulgated on August 4, 1879. | 1879 |
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Arcanum (On Christian Marriage) Leo XIII | Pope Leo XIII says 'there would be a calm and quiet constancy in marriage if married people would gather strength and life from the virtue of religion alone;... for religion would enable them to bear tranquilly and even gladly the trials of their state.' The Pope discusses the ends of marriage and the great evil of divorce. | 1880 |
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Grande Munus (On Sts. Cyril and Methodius) Leo XIII | 'Grande Munus' Promulgated on 30 September, 1880. | 1880 |
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Sancta Dei Civitas (On Mission Societies) Leo XIII | 'Sancta Dei Civitas' Promulgated on December 3, 1880. | 1880 |
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Saepe Nos (On Boycotting in Ireland) Leo XIII | 'Saepe Nos' Promulgated on June 24, 1888. | 1881 |
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Licet Multa (On Catholics in Belgium) Leo XIII | 'Licet Multa' Promulgated on August 3, 1881. | 1881 |
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Diuturnum (On the Origin of Civil Power) Leo XIII | 'Diuturnum' Promulgated on June 29, 1881. | 1881 |
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Auspicato Concessum (On St. Francis of Assisi) Leo XIII | 'Auspicato Concessum' Promulgated on September 17, 1882. | 1882 |
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Etsi Nos (On Conditions in Italy) Leo XIII | 'Etsi Nos' Promulgated on February 15, 1882. | 1882 |
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Cum Multa (On Conditions in Spain) Leo XIII | 'Cum Multa' Promulgated December 8, 1882. | 1882 |
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Supremi Apostolatus Officio (On Devotion of the Rosary) Leo XIII | This encyclical testifys to the rosary's venerability and power, and exhorts the faithful to its frequent use. | 1883 |
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Nobilissima Gallorum Gens (On the Religious Question in France ) Leo XIII | Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII promulgated on February 8, 1884. | 1884 |
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Humanum Genus (On Freemasonry) Leo XIII | This encyclical provides a definitive statement on Freemasonry, its opposition to the Church, and the response of Catholics. | 1884 |
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Superiore Anno (On the Rosary 4) Leo XIII | On the Recitation of the Rosary 'Superiore Anno'. | 1884 |
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Spectata Fides (On Christian Education) Leo XIII | 'Spectata Fides' Promulgated on November 27, 1885. | 1885 |
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Quod Auctoritate (Extraordinary Jubilee) Leo XIII | 'Quod Auctoritate' Promulgated on December 22, 1885. | 1885 |
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Immortale Dei (On the Christian Constitution of States) Leo XIII | 'Immortale Dei' Promulgated on November 1, 1885. | 1885 |
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Iampridem (On Catholicism in Germany) Leo XIII | 'Iampridem' Promulgated on January 6, 1886. | 1886 |
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Quod Multum (On the Liberty of the Church) Leo XIII | 'Quod Multum' Promulgated on August 22, 1886. | 1886 |
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Pergrata (On the Church in Portugal) Leo XIII | 'Pergrata' Promulgated on September 14, 1886. | 1886 |
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Officio Sanctissimo (On the Church in Bavaria) Leo XIII | 'Officio Sanctissimo' Promulgated on December 22, 1887. | 1887 |
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Vi E Ben Noto (On the Rosary and Public Life) Leo XIII | 'Vi E Ben Noto' Promulgated on September 20, 1887. | 1887 |
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In Plurimism (On the Abolition of Slavery) Leo XIII | Occasioned by the fact that in Brazil many slaves were set free as part of the celebration of the Pope's 50th anniversary in the priesthood. | 1888 |
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Quod Anniversarius (On the Occasion of the Sacerdotal Jubilee of Leo ) Leo XIII | 'Quod Anniversarius' Promulgated on April 1, 1888. | 1888 |
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Quam Aerumnosa (On Italian Immigrants) Leo XIII | 'Quam Aerumnosa' Promulgated on December 10, 1888. | 1888 |
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Etsi Cunctas (On the Church in Ireland) Leo XIII | 'Etsi Cunctas' Promulgated on December 21, 1888. | 1888 |
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Libertas (On the Nature of Human Liberty) Leo XIII | An examination of the nature of true human liberty as it relates to the individual, the social order, human dignity, and both political and religious authority. | 1888 |
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Exeunte Iam Anno (On the Right Ordering of Christian Life) Leo XIII | 'Exeunte Iam Anno' Promulgated on December 25, 1888. | 1888 |
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Magni Nobis (On the Catholic University of America) Leo XIII | 'Magni Nobis' Promulgated on March 7, 1889. | 1889 |
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Quamquam Pluries (On Devotion to St. Joseph) Leo XIII | 'Quamquam Pluries' Promulgated August 15, 1889, to encourage our devotion to St. Joseph. | 1889 |
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Dall'alto Dell (On Freemasonry in Italy) Leo XIII | 'Dall'alto Dell'apostolico Seggio' Promulgated on October 15, 1890. | 1890 |
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Sapientiae Christian (On Christians as Citizens) Leo XIII | Pope Leo exhorts Catholics to follow right principles in the roles they play in the larger social and cultural order. | 1890 |
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Catholicae Ecclesiae (On Slavery in the Missions) Leo XIII | 'Catholicae Ecclesiae' Promulgated November 20, 1890. | 1890 |
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In Ipso (On Episcopal Reunions in Austria) Leo XIII | 'In Ipso' Promulgated on March 3, 1891 | 1891 |
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Pastoralis Officii (On the Morality of Dueling) Leo XIII | 'Pastoralis Officii' Promulgated September 12, 1891 | 1891 |
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Pastoralis (On Religious Union) Leo XIII | 'Pastoralis' Promulgated on June 25, 1891. | 1891 |
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Rerum Novarum (On Capital and Labor) Leo XIII | Analysis of social conditions in the late 19th century. The Pope's emphasis on social justice for workers marked a significant change from the perceived traditional ecclesiastical alignment with the aristocracy. | 1891 |
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Octobri Mense (On the Rosary) Leo XIII | 'Octobri Mense' Promulgated on September 22, 1891. | 1891 |
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Quarto Abeunte Saeculo (On the Columbus Quadricentennial) Leo XIII | 'Quarto Abeunte Saeculo' Promulgated on July 16, 1892 | 1892 |
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Au Milieu Des Sollicitudes (On the Church and State in France) Leo XIII | 'Au Milieu Des Sollicitudes' Promulgated on February 16, 1892. | 1892 |
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Custodi Di Quella Fede (On Freemasonry) Leo XIII | 'Custodi Di Quella Fede' Promulgated on December 8, 1892. | 1892 |
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Inimica Vis (On Freemasonry) Leo XIII | 'Inimica Vis' Promulgated on December 8, 1892. | 1892 |
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Magnae Dei Matris (On the Rosary 2) Leo XIII | 'Magnae Dei Matris' Promulgated on September 8, 1892. | 1892 |
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Constanti Hungarorum (On the Church in Hungary) Leo XIII | 'Constanti Hungarorum' Promulgated on September 2, 1893. | 1893 |
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Ad Extremas (On Seminaries for Native Clergy) Leo XIII | 'Ad Extremas' Promulgated on June 24, 1893. | 1893 |
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Providentissimus Deus (On the Study of Holy Scripture) Leo XIII | This encyclical offers the Pope's guidance to Scripture scholars, especially in the face of Rationalist 'Higher' Criticism. | 1893 |
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Laetitiae Sanctae (On the Rosary 3) Leo XIII | 'Laetitiae Sanctae' Promulgated on September 8, 1893. | 1893 |
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Litteras A Vobis (On the Clergy in Brazil) Leo XIII | 'Litteras A Vobis' Promulgated on July 2, 1894. | 1894 |
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Christi Nomen (On Propagation of the Faith & Eastern Churches) Leo XIII | Pope Leo XIII begins this encyclical by saying that 'Our first duty is to spread the name and reign of Christ more widely every day, and to call back the mutinous and the wandering to the bosom of the Church.' He says that they must be supplied with an abundance of holy ministers, schools must be opened and literature made available. Suitable aid to ensure these plans must come principal | 1894 |
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Iucunda Semper Expectatione (On the Rosary 5) Leo XIII | 'Iucunda Semper Expectatione' Promulgated on September 8, 1894. | 1894 |
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Permoti Nos (On Social Conditions In Belgium) Leo XIII | Permoti Nos Promulgated on July 10, 1895. | 1895 |
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Fidentem Piumque Animum (On the Rosary) Leo XIII | Fidentem Piumque Animum Promulgated on September 20, 1896. | 1896 |
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Insignes (On the Hungarian Millennium) Leo XIII | Insignes Promulgated on May 1, 1896. | 1896 |
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Satis Cognitum (On the Unity of the Church) Leo XIII | 'Satis Cognitum' Promulgated on June 29, 1896. | 1896 |
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Affari Vos (On the Manitoba School Question) Leo XIII | Affari Vos Promulgated on December 8, 1897. | 1897 |
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Augustissimae Virginis Mariae (On the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary ) Leo XIII | Augustissimae Virginis Mariae Promulgated on September 12, 1897. | 1897 |
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Divinum Illud Munus (On the Holy Spirit) Leo XIII | Divinum Illud Munus Promulgated on May 9, 1897. | 1897 |
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Militantis Ecclesiae (On St. Peter Canisius) Leo XIII | Militantis Ecclesiae Promulgated on August 1, 1897. | 1897 |
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Caritatis Studium (On the Church In Scotland) Leo XIII | Caritatis Studium Promulgated on July 25, 1898. | 1898 |
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Diuturni Temporis (On the Rosary) Leo XIII | Diuturni Temporis Promulgated on September 5, 1898. Promulgated on September 5, 1898. | 1898 |
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Quam Religiosa (On Civil Marriage Law) Leo XIII | 'Quam Religiosa' Promulgated on August 16, 1898. | 1898 |
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Quum Diuturnum (On the Latin American Bishops' Plenary Council) Leo XIII | 'Quum Diuturnum' Promulgated on December 25, 1898. | 1898 |
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Spesse Volte (On the Suppression of Catholic Institutions ) Leo XIII | 'Spesse volte' Promulgated on August 5, 1898. | 1898 |
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Annum Sacrum (On Consecration to the Sacred Heart) Leo XIII | Annum Sacrum Promulgated on May 25, 1899. | 1899 |
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Depuis Le Jour (On the Education of the Clergy) Leo XIII | Depuis Le Jour Promulgated on September 8, 1899. | 1899 |
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Paternae (On the Education of Clergy) Leo XIII | Paternae Promulgated on September 18, 1899. | 1899 |
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Omnibus Compertum (On Unity Among the Greek Melchites) Leo XIII | Omnibus Compertum Promulgated on July 21, 1900. | 1900 |
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Tametsi Futura Prospicientibus (On Jesus Christ the Redeemer) Leo XIII | Tametsi Futura Prospicientibus Promulgated on November 1, 1900. | 1900 |
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Graves De Communi Re (On Christian Democracy) Leo XIII | Graves De Communi Re Promulgated on January 18, 1901. | 1901 |
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Gravissimas (On Religious Orders in Portugal) Leo XIII | Gravissimas Promulgated on May 16, 1901. | 1901 |
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Reputantiubus (On the Language Question in Bohemia) Leo XIII | Reputantiubus Promulgated on August 20, 1901. | 1901 |
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Urbanitatis Veteris (On the Foundation of a Seminary in Athens) Leo XIII | 'Urbanitatis Veteris' Promulgated on November 20, 1901. | 1901 |
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Fin Dal Principio (On the Education of the Clergy) Leo XIII | Fin Dal Principio Promulgated on December 8, 1902. | 1902 |
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In Amplissimo (On the Church in the US) Leo XIII | In Amplissimo Promulgated on April 15, 1902. | 1902 |
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Mirae Caritatis (On the Holy Eucharist) Leo XIII | Mirae Caritatis Promulgated on May 28, 1902. | 1902 |
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Dum Multa (On Marriage Legislation) Leo XIII | Dum Multa Promulgated on December 24, 1902. | 1902 |
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Quae Ad Nos (On the Church in Bohemia and Moravia) Leo XIII | 'Quae Ad Nos' Promulgated on November 22, 1902. | 1902 |
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Quod Votis (On the Proposed Catholic University) Leo XIII | 'Quod Votis' Promulgated on April 30, 1902. | 1902 |
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E Supremi (Restoration of all things in Christ) Pius X | 'E Supremi' Promulgated on October 4, 1903. First encyclical of Pius X. | 1903 |
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Lucunda Sane (On Pope Gregory the Great) Pius X | 'Lucunda Sane' Promulgated on March 12, 1904. | 1904 |
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Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum (On the Immaculate Conception) Pius X | 'Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum' Promulgated on February 2, 1904. | 1904 |
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Acerbo Nimis (On teaching Christian Doctrine) Pius X | 'Acerbo Nimis' Promulgated on April 15, 1905. | 1905 |
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Il Fermo Proposito (On Catholic Action in Italy) Pius X | 'Il Fermo Proposito' Promulgated on June 11, 1905. | 1905 |
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Pieni L'Animo (On the Clergy in Italy) Pius X | 'Pieni L'Animo' Promulgatged on July 28, 1906 | 1906 |
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Gravissimo Officii Munere (On French Associations of Worship ) Pius X | 'Gravissimo Officii Munere' Promulgated on August 10, 1906. | 1906 |
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Vehementer Nos (On the French Law of Separation) Pius X | 'Vehementer Nos' Promulgated on February 11, 1906. | 1906 |
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Tribus Circiter (On the Mariavites or Mystic Priests of Poland ) Pius X | 'Tribus Circiter' Promulgated on April 5, 1906. | 1906 |
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Une Fois Encore (On the Separation of Church and State) Pius X | 'Une Fois Encore' Promulgated on January 1, 1907. | 1907 |
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Pascendi Dominici Gregis (On the Doctrine of the Modernists) Pius X | In this encyclical on Modernism, Pius X brings Modernist teachings together into one group, points out the connection between them, examines the sources of the errors, and prescribes remedies for averting the evil. | 1907 |
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Communium Rerum (On St. Anselm of Aosta) Pius X | 'Communium Rerum' Promulgated on April 21, 1909. | 1909 |
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Editae Saepe (On St. Charles Borromeo) Pius X | 'Editae Saepe' Promulgated on May 26, 1910. | 1910 |
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Lamdudum (On the Law of Separation in Portugal) Pius X | ''Lamdudum' Promulgated on May 24, 1911.' Promulgated on May 24, 1911. | 1911 |
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Lacrimabili Statu (On the Indians of South America) Pius X | 'Lacrimabili Statu' Promulgated on June 7, 1912. | 1912 |
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Singulari Quadam (On Labor Organizations) Pius X | 'Singulari Quadam' Promulgated on September 24, 1912. | 1912 |
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Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum (Appealing For Peace) Benedict XV | 'Ad beatissimi apostolorum' Promulgated on November 1, 1914. | 1914 |
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Humani Generis (On Preaching the Word of God) Benedict XV | 'Humani Generis' Promulgated on June 15, 1917. | 1917 |
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Quod Iam Diu (On the Future Peace Conference) Benedict XV | 'Quod iam diu' Promulgated on December 1, 1918. | 1918 |
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In Hac Tanta (On St. Boniface) Benedict XV | 'In hac tanta' Promulgated on May 14, 1919. | 1919 |
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Paterno Iam Diu (On the Children of Central Europe) Benedict XV | 'Paterno iam diu' Promulgated on November 24, 1919. | 1919 |
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Annus Iam Pelnus (On Children of Central Europe) Benedict XV | 'Annus iam pelnus' Promulgated on December 1, 1920. | 1920 |
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Principi Apostolorum Petro (On St. Ephrem the Syrian) Benedict XV | 'Principi apostolorum Petro' Promulgated on October 5, 1920. | 1920 |
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Pacem, Dei Munus Pulcherrimum (On Peace and Christian Reconciliation) Benedict XV | 'Pacem, Dei munus pulcherrimum' Promulgated on May 23, 1920. | 1920 |
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Spiritus Paraclitus (On St. Jerome) Benedict XV | Encyclical given to 'promote among the children of the Church, and especially among the clergy, assiduous and reverent study of the Bible.' | 1920 |
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Fausto Appetente Die (On St. Dominic) Benedict XV | 'Fausto appetente die' Promulgated on June 29, 1921. | 1921 |
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Sacra Propedim (On the Third Order of St. Francis) Benedict XV | 'Sacra propedim' Promulgated on January 6, 1921. | 1921 |
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In Praeclara Summorum (On Dante) Benedict XV | 'In praeclara summorum' Promulgated on April 30, 1921. | 1921 |
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Ubi Arcano Dei Consilio (On the Peace of Christ in His Kingdom) Pius XI | 'Ubi Arcano Dei Consilio' Promulgated on December 23, 1922. | 1922 |
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Ecclesiam Dei (On St. Josaphat) Pius XI | 'Ecclesiam Dei' Encyclical of Pope Pius XI promulgated on November 12, 1923. | 1923 |
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Rerum Omnium Perturbationem (St. Francis De Sales) Pius XI | 'Rerum Omnium Perturbationem' Encyclical of Pope Pius XI promulgated on January 26, 1923. | 1923 |
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Studiorum Ducem (On St. Thomas Aquinas) Pius XI | 'Studiorum Ducem' Encyclical of Pope Pius XI promulgated on June 29, 1923. | 1923 |
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Maximam Gravissimamque (On French Diocesan Associations) Pius XI | 'Maximam Gravissimamque' Encyclical of Pope Pius XI promulgated on January 18, 1924. | 1924 |
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Quas Primas (On the Feast of Christ the King) Pius XI | 'Quas Primas' Promulgated on December 11, 1925. | 1925 |
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Iniquis Afflictisque (On the Persecution of the Church in Mexico) Pius XI | Encyclical describing the persecution of the Mexican Church, and praising the constancy of the Mexican bishops, clergy, and laity, and especially certain lay organizations. | 1926 |
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Rerum Ecclesiae (On Catholic Missions) Pius XI | 'Rerum Ecclesiae' Encyclical of Pope Pius XI promulgated on February 28, 1926. | 1926 |
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Rite Expiatis (On St. Francis of Assisi) Pius XI | 'Rite Expiatis' Encyclical of Pope Pius XI promulgated on April 30, 1926. | 1926 |
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Miserentissimus Redemptor (On Reparation to the Sacred Heart) Pius XI | 'Miserentissimus Redemptor' Promulgated on May 8, 1928. | 1928 |
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Mortalium Animos (On Religious Unity) Pius XI | 'Mortalium Animos' Promulgated on January 6, 1928. | 1928 |
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Rerum Orientalium (On the Promotion of Oriental Studies) Pius XI | 'Rerum Orientalium' Encyclical of Pope Pius XI promulgated on September 8, 1928. | 1928 |
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Divini Illius Magistri (On Christian Education) Pius XI | 'Divini Illius Magistri' Encyclical of Pope Pius XI on the Christian Education of Youth, promulgated December 31, 1929. | 1929 |
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Mens Nostra (The Promotion of the Spiritual Exercises) Pius XI | Speaking of the practice of the 'Spiritual Exercises' the Holy Father says, 'we earnestly desire to see it daily extended more widely, not only among the clergy both secular and regular, but also among the multitudes of the Catholic laity.' | 1929 |
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Quinquagesimo Ante (On His Sacerdotal Jubilee) Pius XI | 'Quinquagesimo Ante' Encyclical of 23 Dec 1929. The Pope marks his fiftieth year as a priest by reviewing the successes of his pontificate and extending a special period of indulgence which he had previously granted. | 1929 |
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Casti Connubii (On Christian Marriage) Pius XI | Encyclical on the nature and dignity of Christian marriage. The Pope covers the advantages and benefits which accrue from it to the family and to human society itself, errors contrary to this most important point of the Gospel teaching, vices opposed to conjugal union, and the principal remedies to be applied. | 1930 |
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Ad Salutem (On St. Augustine) Pius XI | The Pope extols St. Augustine on the 15th centenary of the Saint's death, and urges the faithful to to honor, imitate, and learn from him. | 1930 |
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Non Abbiamo Bisogno (On Catholic Action in Italy) Pius XI | This encyclical was written to counter the attacks on 'truth and justice' caused by the encroachment of fascism on Italy. These attacks were manifested by false and unjust accusations, followed by the disbanding of Catholic Youth Associations and other organizations associated with Catholic Action, and also by acts of brutality and violence resulting in bloodshed. | 1931 |
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Nova Impendet (On the Economic Crisis) Pius XI | With winter impending in the midst of the Great Depression, the Pope calls for a Crusade of charity and prayer for all those suffering. | 1931 |
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Quadragesimo Anno (On Reconstruction of the Social Order) Pius XI | 'Quadragesimo Anno' Promulgated on May 15, 1931. | 1931 |
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Lux Veritatis (On the Council of Ephesus) Pius XI | On the fifteen-hundredth anniversary of the Council of Ephesus, the Pope reaffirms the doctrine of Ephesus, giving special attention to the import of the Council's Marian doctrine. He stresses that then as now, Rome was the guardian of Christian truth and unity. He calls all Christians to union with Rome, and at the same time combats the error of conciliarism. | 1931 |
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Acerba Animi (On Persecution of the Church in Mexico) Pius XI | Pius XI's encyclical to the Mexican hierarchy, lamenting the persecution of the Church in Mexico and offering prayers and encouragement to all or the country's Catholics. | 1932 |
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Caritatis Studium (On the Church In Scotland) Pius XI | Caritatis Studium Promulgated on July 25, 1898. | 1932 |
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Dilectissima Nobis (On Oppression of the Church of Spain) Pius XI | 'Dilectissima Nobis' Encyclical of 3 Jun 1933 to the persecuted Church of Spain. The Pope notes the advantage of the unrestricted activity of the Church to the social order, decries the separation of Church and state and other crimes against the Church, which are signs of an attempt to destroy Religion. | 1933 |
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Ad Catholici Sacerdotii (On the Catholic Priesthood) Pius XI | 'Ad Catholici Sacerdotii' Promulgated on December 20, 1935. | 1935 |
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Vigilanti Cura (On Motion Pictures) Pius XI | The Pope reminds the Bishops of the dangers proposed to morals by motion pictures, praises the initiative taken by the Bishops of the United States in establishing the Legion of Decency, and orders the Bishops of each nation to establish an Office to provide Catholic motion picture ratings. | 1936 |
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Mit Brennender Sorge (On the Church and the German Reich) Pius XI | 'Mit Brennender Sorge' Promulgated on March 19, 1937 | 1937 |
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Divino Afflante Spiritu (On Promoting Biblical Studies) Pius XI | Condemns several errors of biblical criticism and stresses the need to use modern science and methods of criticism in exegesis. | 1937 |
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Ingravescentibus Malis (On the Rosary) Pius XI | 'Ingravescentibus Malis' Promulgated on September 29, 1937. | 1937 |
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Nos Es Muy Conocida (On the Religious Situation in Mexico) Pius XI | The Pope, writing to the Bishops of Mexico, stresses the the role of the laity in the face of government persecution. Includes principles for the use of force in combatting government injustice. | 1937 |
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Sertum Laetitiae (On the Start of the Church in the US) Pius XII | Encyclical on the hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the hierarchy in the United States. | 1939 |
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Summi Pontificatus (On the Unity of Human Society) Pius XII | The Pope prays that the human race will 'gather around the throne of the Eternal King, in adoration and in reparation to renew now and forever their oath of allegiance to Him and to His law of truth and of love. | 1939 |
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Saeculo Exeunte Octavo (On the Independence of Portugal) Pius XII | 'Saeculo Exeunte Octavo' Promulgated on June 13, 1940. Encyclical on the eighth centenary of the independence of Portugal. | 1940 |
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Divino Afflante Spiritu (On Promoting Biblical Studies) Pius XII | Condemns several errors of biblical criticism and stresses the need to use modern science and methods of criticism in exegesis. | 1943 |
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Mystici Corporis Christi (On the Mystical Body of Christ) Pius XII | The Church is a body with Christ as the Head. It is one, undivided, visible, constituted organically and hierarchically, endowed with the means of sanctification and composed of individual members not excluding sinners. | 1943 |
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Orientalis Ecclesiae (On St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria) Pius XII | 'Orientalis Ecclesiae' Promulgated on April 9, 1944. Pius XII gives an account of the 'spotless life, faith and virtue' of St. Cyril of Alexandria for 'the benefit of all, but especially of those who belong to the Eastern Church and therefore have good reason to be proud of this luminary of Christian wisdom, this valiant hero of the apostolate.' | 1944 |
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Com.Interpretes Dolorarum (An Appeal for Prayers for Peace) Pius XII | Encourages the faithful to pray for peace and to return to Christian morals and to deter the wrath of God. | 1945 |
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Orientales Omnes Ecclesias (On the Reunion of the Ruthenian Church with Rome ) Pius XII | Encyclical on the three hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the reunion of the Ruthenian Church with the Apostolic See. | 1945 |
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Deiparae Virginis Mariae (On the Possibility of Defining the Assumption as a Dogma) Pius XII | Requests the bishops to ascertain whether it would be opportune to formally define the doctrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. | 1946 |
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Quemadmodum (A Plea for the Care of the World's Destitute Children) Pius XII | 'Quemadmodum' Promulgated on January 6, 1946. | 1946 |
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Mediator Dei (On the Sacred Liturgy) Pius XII | The priestly mission of Jesus Christ is prolonged mainly by means of the sacred liturgy, at the altar, through the sacraments and through the Divine Office. | 1947 |
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Optatissima Pax (On Public Prayers for Peace) Pius XII | 'Optatissima Pax' Promulgated on December 18, 1947. Encyclical on prescribing public prayers for social and world peace. | 1947 |
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Fulgens Radiatur (On St. Benedict) Pius XII | In this encyclical, on St. Benedict Pius XII says 'Whoever considers his celebrated life and studies in the light of the truth of history, the gloomy and stormy times in which he lived, will without doubt realise the truth of the divine promise which Christ made to the Apostles and to the society He founded `I am with you all days even to the consummation of the world.' | 1947 |
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Auspicia Quaedam (On Public Prayers for Peace (2)) Pius XII | On public prayers for world peace and solution of the problem of Palestine. Exhorts the faithful to pray fervently for peace, especially in the Holy Places of Palestine. | 1948 |
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In Multiplicibus Curis (On Prayers for Peace in Palestine) Pius XII | 'In Multiplicibus Curis' Promulgated on October 24, 1948. | 1948 |
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Redemptoris Nostri Cruciatus (On the Holy Places in Palestine) Pius XII | 'Redemptoris Nostri Cruciatus' Promulgated on April 15, 1949. | 1949 |
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Anni Sacri (On Combating Atheistic Propaganda) Pius XII | On a program for combatting atheistic propoganda throughout the world. On the need for zealous prayer and action to insure that the rights of religion, and especially of the Catholic Church, are respected by the government and the media. | 1950 |
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Humani Generis (On Evolution) Pius XII | Encyclical concerning some false opinions threatening to undermine the foundations of Catholic doctrine. | 1950 |
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Summi Maeroris (On Public Prayers for Peace(3)) Pius XII | 'Summi Maeroris' Promulgated on July 19, 1950. | 1950 |
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Mirabile Illud (On the Crusade of Prayer for Peace) Pius XII | 'Mirabile Illud' Promulgated on December 6, 1950 | 1950 |
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Evangelii Praecones (On Promotion of Catholic Missions) Pius XII | Encouragement and guidelines for spiritual and social missionaries, with reference to the history of mission work in the Church. | 1951 |
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Ingruentium Malorum (On Reciting the Rosary) Pius XII | Pius XII urges us to 'to fly with greater confidence to the Mother of God. There, the Christian people have always sought chief refuge in the hour of danger, because 'she has been constituted the cause of salvation for the whole human race.' | 1951 |
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Sempiternus Rex Christus (On the Council of Chalcedon) Pius XII | Encyclical celebrating the fifteen hundred year anniversity of the Council of Chalcedon, which concerned the hypostatic union of the Incarnate Word. | 1951 |
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Orientales Ecclesias (On the Persecuted Eastern Church) Pius XII | 'Orientales Ecclesias' Encyclical of Pope Pius XII promulgated on December 15, 1952. | 1952 |
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Doctor Mellifluus (On St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the Last of the Fathers) Pius XII | Calls forth the extraordinary love of God, zeal for the Faith and the pope, virtue, and devotion to Mary of St. Bernard, as an example for the present age. | 1953 |
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Fulgens Corona (Proclaiming a Marian Year) Pius XII | 'Fulgens Corona' Promulgated on September 8, 1953. Encyclical proclaiming a Marian Year to commemorate the centenary of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. | 1953 |
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Ad Caeli Reginam (Proclaiming the Queenship of Mary) Pius XII | Proclaims the feast of the Queenship of Mary and summarizes the history of devotion to Mary as Queen. | 1954 |
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Ecclesiae Fastos (On St. Boniface) Pius XII | 'Ecclesiae Fastos' Promulgated on June 5, 1954. Recalls the missionary zeal of St. Boniface, who did much to spread the faith in Germany and Gaul, on the 12th centenary of his death. | 1954 |
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Sacra Virginitas (On Consecrated Virginity) Pius XII | Encyclical in which the Pope calls virginity 'the among the most precious treasures which the Founder of the Church has left in heritage to the society which He established. | 1954 |
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Ad Sinarum Gentem (On the Supra-nationality of the Church) Pius XII | Encyclical directed to the clergy and people of China regarding their distress and suffering under Communism. He exhorts them to guard the trust they have been given to teach the gospel. | 1954 |
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Musicae Sacrae (On Sacred Music) Pius XII | In this encyclical Pius XII gives an explanation of sacred music and anwers questions which have been raised and discussed during the past decades. | 1955 |
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Datis Nuperrime (Condemning the Ruthless Use of Force in Hungary) Pius XII | Lamenting the sorrowful events in Hungary and condemning the ruthless use of force. | 1956 |
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Haurietis Aquas (On Devotion to the Sacred Heart) Pius XII | Given on the centenary of Pius IX's proclamation ordering the celebration of the feast throughout the whole Church. | 1956 |
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Laetamur Admodum (Exhortation For Prayers For Peace) Pius XII | Request for prayers for peace for Poland, Hungary, and the Middle East. | 1956 |
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Luctuosissimi Eventus (On Prayers for the People of Hungary) Pius XII | 'Luctuosissimi Eventus' Promulgated on October 28, 1956. Encyclical of Pius XII urging public prayers for peace and freedom for the people of Hungary. | 1956 |
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Fidei Donum (On the Condition of the Catholic Missions) Pius XII | On the present condition of the Catholic Missions, especially in Africa. | 1957 |
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Invicti Athletae (On St. Andrew Bobola) Pius XII | On the 300th anniversary of the death of Andrew Bobola, the Pope desires the meditation of all Catholics on his martyrdom and holiness as a shining example of Christian fortitude. | 1957 |
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Miranda Prorsus (On the Communications Field) Pius XII | The Pope exhorts the bishops to guard the flock from every error and danger which the use of motion pictures, radio and television can raise against the conduct of Christian life to its serious detriment. | 1957 |
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Le Pelerinage de Lourdes (Warning Against Materialism) Pius XII | Le Pelerinage de Lourdes is the only encyclical of Pope Pius XII issued in French. It includes warnings against materialism on the centenary of the apparitions at Lourdes. | 1957 |
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Ad Apostolorum Principis (On Communism And The Church In China) Pius XII | Ad Apostolorum Principis speaks on Communism and the Church in China. It describes systematic persecutions of bishops, priests, religious and faithful and the attempts of the government to establish a patriotic Catholic Church, independent of Rome. | 1958 |
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Meminisse Iuvat (On Prayers for the Persecuted Church) Pius XII | Encyclical on prayers for the persecuted Church in Eastern Europe and in Asia. | 1958 |
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Grata Recordatio (On the Rosary) John XXIII | Pope John XXIII covers the rosary, prayer for the Church, the missions and international and social problems in this encyclical. | 1959 |
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Ad Petri Cathedram (On Truth, Unity and Peace) John XXIII | The first encyclical of John XXIII's reign discusses the three objectives of truth, unity and peace and indicates how they may be achieved and advanced in a spirit of charity. | 1959 |
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Princeps Pastorum (On the Missions) John XXIII | The Pope speaks of the necessity of extending God's kingdom to the many parts of the world where missionaries labor zealously that the Church may grow and produce wholesome fruits. | 1959 |
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Sacerdotii Nostri Primordia (On St. John Vianney) John XXIII | In this encyclical Pope John XXIII strives to help the clergy to foster and grow in friendship with Christ as the main source of the joy and fruitfulness of their priestly life. | 1959 |
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Aeterna Dei Sapientia (On St. Leo the Great) John XXIII | 'Aeterna Dei Sapientia' Promulgated on November 11, 1961. This encyclical commemorates the fifteenth centennial of the death of Pope St. Leo I and focuses on the See of Peter as the center of Christian unity. | 1961 |
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Mater Et Magistra (Christianity and Social Progress) John XXIII | Pope John XXIII says 'though the Church's first care must be for souls, she concerns herself too with the exigencies of man's daily life, with his livelihood and education, and his general, temporal welfare and prosperity. | 1961 |
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Paenitentiam Agere (On the Need for Penance) John XXIII | Encyclical of Pope John XXIII on the need for the practice of interior and exterior penance. | 1962 |
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Pacem In Terris (Peace on Earth) John XXIII | 'Pacem In Terris' Promulgated on April 11, 1963. John XXIII tells us that, 'Peace on earth, which all men of every era have most eagerly yearned for, can be firmly established only if the order laid down by God be dutifully observed. | 1963 |
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Ecclesiam Suam (On the Church) Paul VI | On role of the Church in the world and the attitudes of the Church in relation to the world. | 1964 |
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Mense Maio (On Praying to Mary During May) Paul VI | Urges the faithful to pray to Mary more than ever during the month of May, and in connection with this exhorts all to seek peace by negotiation and prayer. | 1965 |
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Mysterium Fidei (On the Holy Eucharist) Paul VI | Teaching of faith on worship of the Holy Eucharist. | 1965 |
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Christi Matri (On Prayers to Mary for Peace) Paul VI | Exhorts leaders to contrive by negotiation a peace 'based on justice and freedom for mankind.' Encourages the faithful to deepen their devotion to the Mother of Christ as the evils of the world increase. | 1966 |
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Populorum Progressio (On the Development of Peoples) Paul VI | Calls prosperous civilizations to help less developed, poorer cultures to develop, and to serve charity and justice by improving their condition. | 1967 |
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Sacerdotalis Caelibatus (On the Celibacy of the Priest) Paul VI | Defending the continued validity of celibacy in the priesthood in the modern Church. | 1967 |
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Humanae Vitae (On Human Life) Paul VI | Famous encyclical on the proper and improper use of marriage and sex. Condemns artificial birth control, abortion, etc. | 1968 |
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Redemptor Hominis (Redeemer of Man) John Paul II | John Paul seeks to recall and reawaken in us in a special way our awareness of the key truth of faith which Saint John expressed at the beginning of his Gospel: 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.' | 1979 |
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Dives In Misericordia (On the Mercy of God) John Paul II | John Paul draws from the language of revelation and faith to express the truth revealed by Christ about God the 'Father of mercies.' The truth that God is very close to man, especially when he is suffering and under threat at the very heart of his existence and dignity. | 1980 |
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Laborem Exercens (On Human Work) John Paul II | This encyclical is one of four recent documents (by Pope John Paul II) which serve as a framework of analysis for the socio-political questions of the day. The Pope devotes this document to human work and to man in the vast context of the reality of work. Written on the ninetieth anniversary of Leo XIII's 'Rerum Novarum'. | 1981 |
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Slavorum Apostoli (Apostles of the Slavs) John Paul II | The encyclical letter of Pope John Paul II on the Apostles to the Slavs, Saints Cyril and Methodius, on the occasion of the the eleventh centenary of their evangelization work. | 1985 |
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Dominum Et Vivificantem (On the Holy Spirit) John Paul II | This Encyclical on the Holy Spirit has been drawn from the heart of the heritage of the Vatican Council. John Paul desires to move us to penetrate ever deeper into the Trinitarian mystery of God himself, through the Gospels, the Fathers and the Liturgy. | 1986 |
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Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) John Paul II | Discusses Mary's role in the economy of salvation, particularly reflecting upon that 'pilgrimage of faith' in which 'the Blessed Virgin advanced,' faithfully preserving her union with Christ. The Pope emphasizes the historical significance of the 'twofold bond' which unites the Mother of God with Christ and with the Church. | 1987 |
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Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (On the Social Teaching of the Church) John Paul II | In this encyclical, John Paul, reaffirms the continuity of the Church's social doctrine in its vital link with the Gospel and its constant renewal because it is subject to changing conditions and the flow of events which are the setting of the life of people and society. | 1987 |
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Redemptoris Missio (On Evangelization) John Paul II | The present document has as its goal an interior renewal of faith and Christian life. The Pope seeks to inspire us to renew the Church by missionary activity since faith is strengthened when it is given to others. | 1990 |
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Centesimus Annus (On Rerum Novarum) John Paul II | This encyclical is one of four recent documents (by Pope John Paul II) which serve as a framework of analysis for the socio-political questions of the day. The Pope issues an invitation to 'look back' at 'Rerum Novarum' in order to discover anew its richness and an invitation to 'look around' at the 'new things' which surround us. Finally, an invitation to 'look to the future' and reawaken our responsibility to proclaim the Gospel. | 1991 |
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Veritatis Splendor (Splendor of the Truth) John Paul II | On Certain Fundamental Questions of the Church's Moral Teaching. Reaffirms widely-attacked moral teachings of the Church and condemns dissent. CONTENTS: (1) 'Teacher, What Good Must I Do?'; (2) 'Do Not Be Conformed to the World' (Freedom & Law, Conscience & Truth, Fundamental Choice and Specific Kinds of Behavior, and the Moral Act); (3) 'Lest the Cross of Christ Be Emptied of its Power.' | 1993 |
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Ut Unum Sint (That They May Be One) John Paul II | The Holy Father calls for a new discussion of the authority and ministry of the pope. He says that the unity of all Christians is God's will and is at the heart of the mission Christ entrusted to His followers. The Pope ends with a call to 'everyone to renew their commitment to work for full and visible communion' and with a specific exhortation to the world's Catholic bishops. | 1995 |
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Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) John Paul II | The Encyclical Gospel of Life, on the value and inviolability of human life. | 1995 |
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Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason) John Paul II | The Pope's encyclical addresses the question of whether "faith and reason" (the encyclical's title) are compatible. He also undertakes a critical analysis of the state of contemporary philosophy, which has fallen in many cases into relativism and subjectivism, encouraging a recovery of the authentic nature of this important discipline, especially as it relates to theology. In addition to being a magisterial statement, in this encyclical the Pope's great personal competence in philosophy and acquaintance with the current situation is clearly evident. | 1998 |
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Ecclesia de Eucharistia (Church of the Eucharist) John Paul II |
In this encyclical letter, Pope John Paul II seeks to rekindle in the faithful the profound sense of "amazement and gratitude" that surrounds the Eucharist." | 2003 |
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Deus Caritas Est (On Christian Love) Pope Benedict XVI |
In this encyclical, Benedict reflects on the concepts of eros, agape, and logos, and their relationship with the teachings of Jesus. In the second part of the encyclical, Benedict addresses the Church's practice of love, including the relationship between justice and charity, as well as the call of every Catholic to serve others in love. The Pope's "love letter" to humanity is remarkably accessible and timely. | 2006 |
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Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope) Pope Benedict XVI |
Spe Salvi traces relationship between the Christian concept of hope and redemption. The title comes from St. Paul's letter to the Romans. | 2007 |
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Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth) Pope Benedict XVI |
Caritas in Veritate is a call to see the relationship between human and environmental ecologies and to link charity and truth in the pursuit of justice, the common good, and authentic human development. In doing so, the pope points out the responsibilities and limitations of government and the private market, challenges traditional ideologies of right and left, and calls all men and women to think and act anew. | 2009 |