Apostolic exhortation

With the preamble Apostolic Letter written pronouncements of the popes are called (Latin: [ Documentation ] Summi pontiffs ), especially those that are not as apostolic constitution, decree, Papal Bull or motu proprio specially marked as obligatory or as teaching writing in the form of an encyclical be published.

• The Apostolic Letter in the narrower sense is the Exhortation apostolica, a non -authored a circular teaching writing. In a broader sense apostolic letters as Lettera and Breve also be referred to as Apostolic Exhortation.
• When popes in place an encyclical choose the less solemn Apostolic Exhortation, differs depending on the personal opinion of the incumbent.
• The Popes Leo XIII. (80) Pius XI. (30) and Pius XII. (41 ) written mostly encyclicals. By Paul VI. come seven encyclicals, apostolic exhortation ten and twenty other letters, which are referred to as " Lettera ", also still countless formal briefs, personal letters and hand writing from diverse occasions.
• Pope John Paul II wrote 14 encyclicals next several so-called " Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation " about following a Synod of Bishops, and other papal encyclicals.
• Pope Benedict XVI. selected following a Synod of Bishops also in the form of a " Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation " ( Sacramentum Caritatis ).