Encyclical
An encyclical is a formal letter written by the Pope, typically addressed to bishops and the whole Church, teaching on a significant matter of faith, morals, or social concern.
A Major Teaching Tool
Encyclicals rank among the most authoritative documents a pope issues short of an infallible dogmatic definition, and are studied closely by theologians and Church leaders.
Famous Examples
Well-known encyclicals include Rerum Novarum (1891) on workers' rights and Laudato Si' (2015) on care for creation.
Related Saints
Frequently Asked Questions
Are encyclicals infallible?
Not automatically — most encyclicals are part of the Church's ordinary teaching rather than an infallible definition, though they still carry serious authority Catholics are expected to take seriously.
Who reads encyclicals?
They're addressed to bishops and often the wider Church or even "all people of good will," and are freely published for anyone to read.