Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal papal letter: An "encyclical letter" is an official document issued by the Pope, addressed to the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church and, by extension, to all members of the Church worldwide. It typically addresses matters of doctrine, faith, morals, or discipline.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Pope issued an encyclical letter on the topic of environmental stewardship.
  • Theologians often study encyclical letters to understand the Church's position on contemporary issues.

Advanced Usage

• "To issue/publish an encyclical letter": The standard phrasing for the Pope's act of formally releasing such a document.
  • The Vatican will issue an encyclical letter on social justice next month.

Variants and Related Words

• Encyclical (n): The more common, shortened form of "encyclical letter." It carries the same meaning.
  • The encyclical was widely discussed in the media.

Synonyms

• Papal letter: A general term for any letter from the Pope.
• Pastoral letter: A letter from a bishop to his diocese; while similar in form, it is less universal in scope than an encyclical letter.

Related Phrases

• Apostolic letter: Another category of formal papal document, which may be addressed to a specific group rather than the entire Church.

Noun

1. a letter from the pope sent to all Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world