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{{Short description|Doctrinal document in Christian churches}}
An '''encyclical''' was originally a [[Flyer (pamphlet)|circular]] letter sent to all the churches of a particular area in the ancient [[
==Catholic usage==
Although the term "encyclical" originally simply meant a circulating letter, it acquired a more specific meaning within the context of the Catholic Church. In 1740, [[Pope Benedict XIV]] wrote a letter titled ''Ubi primum'', which is generally regarded as the first encyclical. The term is now used almost exclusively for a kind of letter sent out by the pope.<ref name=":0" />
For the modern
===Papal use===
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{{quote|It is not to be thought that what is set down in Encyclical letters does not demand assent in itself, because in this the popes do not exercise the supreme power of their magisterium. For these matters are taught by the ordinary magisterium, regarding which the following is pertinent: "He who heareth you, heareth Me." (Luke 10:16); and usually what is set forth and inculcated in Encyclical Letters, already pertains to Catholic doctrine. But if the Supreme Pontiffs in their acts, after due consideration, express an opinion on a hitherto controversial matter, it is clear to all that this matter, according to the mind and will of the same Pontiffs, cannot any longer be considered a question of free discussion among theologians.<ref>''[[Humani generis]]''</ref>}}
On social issues, [[Pope Leo XIII]] promulgated the encyclical ''[[Rerum novarum]]'' (1891), which was followed by ''[[Quadragesimo anno]]'' (1931) of [[Pope Pius XI|Pius XI]] and ''[[Centesimus annus]]'' (1991) of [[Pope John Paul II|John Paul II]]. [[List of encyclicals of Pope Pius XII|Pope Pius XII issued ten encyclicals]], mostly after 1945, three of them protesting against the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] invasion of [[Hungary]] which suppressed the [[Hungarian Revolution of 1956|Hungarian Revolution]] in 1956: ''[[Datis nuperrime]]'', ''[[
==Anglican usage==
Amongst [[Anglican Communion|Anglican]]s the term ''encyclical'' was revived in the late 19th century. It is applied to circular letters issued by the English [[primate (bishop)|primate]]s.
==
* [[Encyclical of the Eastern Patriarchs]] (1848)
* Patriarchal encyclical of 1895
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== See also ==
* [[Apostolic letter (disambiguation)]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
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