Apostolic Letter
/əˈpɒstəlɪk ˈlɛtə/
Definitions
- (n.) A formal document issued by the Pope or a high ecclesiastical authority to address a specific doctrinal, pastoral, or administrative matter within the Catholic Church.
The Pope issued an apostolic letter to clarify the Church's position on the matter.
Forms
- apostolic letter
- apostolic letters
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Apostolic letters are less solemn than papal bulls or encyclicals but carry authoritative weight in Church law; drafters should note their specific procedural and doctrinal contexts.
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