Papal Bull
/ˈpeɪpəl bʊl/
Definitions
- (n.) An official formal papal decree issued by the Pope, typically sealed with a leaden bulla, addressing matters of church doctrine or administration.
The pope issued a papal bull to establish the new diocese.
Forms
- papal bull
- papal bulls
Related terms
See also
Commentary
A papal bull is distinguished from other papal documents by its formal seal and authoritative weight; drafters should note its use primarily for significant doctrinal or administrative pronouncements.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.