encyclical letter
- noun
- /ˌɛn.sɪˈklɪ.kəl ˈlɛtər/
- Formal
:
carta encíclica
- The publication of this book-length document marked the first time that a pope had devoted an entire encyclical letter to the moral analysis of actions involving the intentional destruction of human life.
Examples
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Leo XIII's important contribution to the Fontes is his encyclical letter Arcanum divinae sapientiae (1880), in which he follows the path marked out by Pius.
Academic text (1991) -
Paul VI encapsulated this understanding in his first encyclical letter Ecclesiam Suam (August 6).
Academic text (2003) -
The encyclical letters, exhortations, decrees, and other documents that make up the Catholic social tradition address a variety of social problems, many of which are peculiar to the modern age, such as the rights of workers and the effects of industrialization and urbanization on individuals and families.
Academic text (2008) -
In 1893, Pope Leo XIII issued his encyclical letter Aeterni Patris, which made the doctrine of St. Thomas Aquinas normative for the Church.
Blog text (16) -
The pope's latest encyclical letter addresses the importance of social justice in today's society.
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In his encyclical letter, the pope called for unity among all Christians around the world.
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Every bishop is expected to read the encyclical letter and incorporate its teachings into their parishes.
Synonyms
5
9.9
A formal letter from the pope to all Catholic bishops about church teaching
1
9.8
A long, formal letter written in a serious, literary style
1
9.9
An official paper from the pope sealed with a lead seal
1
9.9
An official letter or order from the pope about church law
How Official
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an official papal letter about doctrine' is directly derivable from the constituents: 'encyclical' denotes a formal doctrinal letter and 'letter' specifies the communicative form. This is a literal, compositional phrase with cognates in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
The phrase encyclical letter comes from the old word encyclical, which means 'around', because the letter was sent 'around' to many bishops. So today a encyclical letter is an official letter from the pope to bishops that explains important church teaching.