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The Heart of John
Paul II - Summary of Key Documents |
Summary of the encyclicals
and
key writings of BLESSED john Paul II
Listed
below, with brief descriptions, are all of Pope John Paul II’s
encyclicals through April 2003, followed by selected Apostolic
Letters, Constitutions, Exhortations, and Motu
Proprio.
Encyclicals
Redemptor Hominis,
“The Redeemer of Man”
March 4, 1979
The
mystery of redemption and the situation of the redeemed person in
the modern world are themes of the encyclical. Human rights and
dignity, religious liberty and the quest for life’s meaning in a
world of technological and scientific breakthroughs are examined.
The church’s fundamental function in every age, Pope John Paul II
states, is “to point the awareness and experience of the whole of
humanity toward the mystery of God.” Pope John Paul also describes
the vital role of the Virgin Mary, calls for appreciation of
priestly celibacy, and discusses the task of theologians.
Dives in Misericordia,
“Rich in Mercy”
November 30, 1980
Pope
John Paul II examines some of the “major anxieties of our time” and
says that God’s mercy is what is needed in the world “at this hour
of history.” There is a sense, he says, in which “mercy constitutes
the fundamental content of the messianic message of Christ and the
constitutive power of his mission.”
Laborem Exercens,
“On Human Work”
September 14, 1981
Planned for the 90th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s social
encyclical, Rerum Novarum, this third encyclical says that the
“church considers it her task always to call attention to the
dignity and rights of those who work.” The proper subject of work
continues to be man, whether the economic system is capitalist or
socialist, Pope John Paul II states. “It is always man who is the
purpose of the work.”
Slavorum Apostoli,
“The Apostles of the Slavs”
June 2, 1985
Coinciding with celebrations marking the 11th centenary of the death
of Methodius, in this fourth encyclical, Pope John Paul II, the
first Slavic pope, honors St. Cyril and St. Methodius, who in the
ninth century brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples of Eastern
Europe. He notes that the brothers were “men of Hellenic culture and
Byzantine training” who worked in a land which followed the Roman
church. Thus they are “connecting links or spiritual bridges between
the Eastern and Western traditions, which both come together in the
one great tradition of the universal church.”
Dominum et Vivificantem,
“On the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church and the World”
May 18, 1986
Against a materialism which accepts death as the end of human
existence, Pope John Paul II writes in his fifth encyclical, the
church proclaims the Holy Spirit, “the life which is stronger than
death.” Dialectical and historical materialism – the essential core
of Marxism – is the system which has carried materialism to its
“extreme practical consequences.” This encyclical describes many
“signs and symptoms of death” in the contemporary world. The
conversion of the human heart, Pope John Paul II writes, “is brought
about by the influence” of the Holy Spirit working through the
conscience.
Redemptoris Mater,
“The Mother of the Redeemer”
March 25, 1987
“Mary belongs indissolubly to the mystery of Christ, and she belongs
also to the mystery of the Church from the beginning, from the day
of the Church’s birth,” Pope John Paul II writes in his sixth
encyclical, written in connection with the Marian year which began
on Pentecost Sunday, 1987. The encyclical addresses the Blessed
Mother’s “importance in relation to women and their status”;
ecumenism and Mary; the relation of Mary and Jesus Christ; Mary’s
presence in the pilgrim church; Mary as a model of faith; and other
questions.
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis,
“The Social Concern of the Church”
December 30, 1987 [issued February 19, 1988]
Written to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s social
encyclical, Populorum Progressio, Pope John Paul II’s seventh
encyclical, on social concerns, points to a widening gap between the
world’s rich and poor. It calls for recognition of the moral
dimension of interdependence along with a concept of development
that is not merely economic. Pope John Paul reaffirms the continuity
of church social teaching as well as its constant renewal.
Redemptoris Missio,
“The Mission of Christ the Redeemer”
December 7, 1990 [issued January 22, 1991]
Pope
John Paul II’s eighth encyclical, subtitled “On the Permanent
Validity of the Church’s Missionary Mandate,” stresses the urgency
of missionary evangelization. The encyclical examines the new
frontiers for missionary activity in modern cities or some
traditionally Christian areas needing re-evangelization, while
emphasizing the continued importance of a mission ad gentes—to the
nations. Pope John Paul rejects any views of salvation and mission
that would focus on humanity’s earthly needs while remaining “closed
to the transcendent.” The relationship of missionary activity to
ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, to the development of
peoples, to situations in which Christians are the minority and to
inculturation of the faith, along with the role of the
communications media in evangelization, are among points discussed
in the encyclical.
Centesimus Annus,
“On the Hundredth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum”
May 1, 1991
This
ninth encyclical was issued for the centenary of Pope Leo XIII’s
social encyclical Rerum Novarum. It was written in the wake
of communism’s collapse in Eastern Europe and looks to the new
things (rerum novarum) influencing the social order. Pope
John Paul II examines strengths and weaknesses of different forms of
capitalism and the free market, and he takes up such themes as work,
unions and wages, unemployment, profit, atheism, class struggle,
freedom and private property.
Veritatis Splendor,
“The Splendor of Truth”
August 6, 1993
In
the 10th encyclical of his papacy, Pope John Paul II treats the
foundations of moral theology—“foundations which are being
undermined by certain present-day tendencies.” Pope John Paul
expresses concern that an “attempt to set freedom in opposition to
truth, and indeed to separate them radically, is the consequence,
manifestation and consummation of another more serious and
destructive dichotomy, that which separates faith from morality.”
The encyclical reaffirms “the universality and immutability of the
moral commandments, particularly those which prohibit always and
without exception intrinsically evil acts.” It expresses concern for
helping present-day culture rediscover the bond between truth,
freedom and the good.
Evangelium Vitae,
“The Gospel of Life”
March 25, 1995
Steps toward mobilizing a “new culture of life” are outlined in this
11th encyclical of Pope John Paul II. The fact that laws in many
nations do not punish practices opposed to life, and even make them
“altogether legal, is both a disturbing symptom and a significant
cause of grave moral decline,” he writes. Pope John Paul says that
“no human law can claim to legitimize” abortion and euthanasia and
that, through “conscientious objection,” there “is a grave and clear
obligation to oppose” laws that do so. He writes, “I confirm that
the direct and voluntary killing of an innocent human being is
always gravely immoral” (No. 57), and declares “that direct
abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always
constitutes a grave moral disorder” (No. 62). And, he says, “I
confirm that euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God” (No.
65).
Ut Unum Sint,
“On Commitment to Ecumenism”
May 25, 1995
Ecumenism is not an “appendix” added to traditional church activity,
but “an organic part of her life and work, and consequently must
pervade all that she is and does,” Pope John Paul II writes in his
12th encyclical, titled Ut Unum Sint. It examines the
papacy’s role as “visible sign and guarantor” of unity,
acknowledging that the bishop of Rome “constitutes a difficulty for
most other Christians, whose memory is marked by certain painful
recollections.” The encyclical discusses ecumenism’s history,
sacramental sharing, dialogue’s nature, reception by the churches of
dialogue-group agreements, common prayer, joint service, ecumenical
translations of the Bible, doctrine, areas needing “fuller study
before a true consensus of faith can be achieved” (No. 79) and other
matters.
Fides et Ratio,
“Faith and Reason”
September 14, 1998
This
14th encyclical focuses on the “relationship between faith and
philosophy.” Pope John Paul II says it is his “task to state
principles and criteria” necessary for restoring “a harmonious and
creative relationship between theology and philosophy.” The Church,
he says, “has no philosophy of its own nor does she canonize any one
particular philosophy in preference to others.” Pope John Paul says:
“The content of revelation can never debase the discoveries and
legitimate autonomy of reason. Yet...reason on its part must never
lose its capacity to question and to be questioned.” The encyclical
examines the relationship of philosophy and God’s word; metaphysics
and theology; truth and freedom; human experience and philosophy;
the ongoing value of philosophy in a scientific world and other
topics.
Ecclesia De Eucharistia,
“On the Eucharist in its Relationship to the Church”
April 17, 2003
In
this encyclical, issued on Holy Thursday, which commemorates the
institution of the Eucharist, Pope John Paul II says that the
Eucharist “stands at the centre of the Church’s life,” containing in
itself the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and his rising
from the dead. The encyclical contains a summary of the Church’s
Eucharistic doctrine. It reminds its readers of the importance of
celebrating the Eucharist according to the norms of the Church, of
the necessity of being in the state of grace to receive Communion,
and of the impossibility of Eucharisitc sharing between the Catholic
Church and those communities without the same Eucharistic theology
or without a valid priesthood which is necessary for the Eucharist
to be celebrated. Pope John Paul also offers a meditation on Mary as
“woman of the Eucharist.”
Apostolic Letters
Salvifici Doloris,
“On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering”
February 11, 1984
Pope
John Paul II examines the meaning of personal suffering, as well as
the Christian response to the suffering of others. The Gospel, Pope
John Paul stresses, is “the negation of passivity in the face of
suffering.” He adds: “The World of human suffering unceasingly calls
for, so to speak, another world: the world of human love; and in a
certain sense man owes to suffering that unselfish love which stirs
in his heart and actions.”
Mulieris Dignitatem,
“On the Dignity and Vocation of Women”
August 15, 1988
This
letter, written on the occasion of the Marian year, represents Pope
John Paul II’s response to a recommendation of the 1987 world Synod
of Bishops. Pope John Paul says that “both man and woman are human
beings to an equal degree, both are created in God’s image.” He
explores the attitude of Jesus toward women in the Gospels which
show that “in the eyes of his contemporaries Christ became a
promoter of women’s true dignity and of the vocation corresponding”
to it, the pope writes. Some of his themes include the exploitation
of women, marriage, motherhood, the value of religious consecration,
virginity, women who suffer, distinct feminine gifts and why women
cannot be ordained to the priesthood.
Ordinatio Sacerdotalis,
“On Reserving Priestly Ordination to Men”
May 22, 1994
Pope
John Paul II says in this letter that, in granting admission to the
ministerial priesthood, the church has always acknowledged as a
perennial norm her Lord’s way of acting in choosing the 12 men whom
he made the foundation of his church. Because “in some places”
women’s ordination is thought to be still open to debate or that the
“Church’s judgment” on the matter has merely a “disciplinary force,”
Pope John Paul declares “that the Church has no authority whatsoever
to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to
be definitively held by all the Church’s faithful.” Pope John Paul
says that “the fact the Blessed Virgin Mary... received neither the
mission proper to the apostles nor the ministerial priesthood
clearly shows that the nonadmission of women to priestly ordination
cannot mean that women are of lesser dignity, nor can it be
construed as discrimination against them.”
Orientale Lumen,
The Light of the East
May 2, 1995
In
this apostolic letter on the churches of the East, Pope John Paul II
says, regarding the Orthodox churches, “We feel the need to go
beyond the degree of communion we have reached.” The letter
acknowledges that with the fall of atheistic communism in Central
and Eastern Europe “Christian brothers and sisters who together had
suffered persecution are regarding one another with suspicion and
fear just when prospects and hopes of greater freedom are
appearing.” Pope John Paul comments that “the time has come to
suffer, if necessary, in order never to fail in the witness of
charity among Christians.” Pope John Paul also discusses the East as
a model for inculturation, monasticism; the need to improve
“knowledge of one another.” In addition to knowledge, he feels that
“meeting one another regularly” is vital.
Laetamur Magnopere,
“We Rejoice Greatly”
August 15, 1997
In
this apostolic letter, promulgating the Latin “typical edition” of
the Catechism of the Catholic Church—a task begun in 1986—Pope John
Paul II says, “Catechesis will find in this genuine, systematic
presentation of the faith and of Catholic doctrine a totally
reliable way to present with renewed fervor each and every part of
the Christian message to the people of our time.”
Dies Domini,
“On Keeping the Lord’s Day Holy”
May 31, 1998
Pope
John Paul II highlights “the duty to attend Sunday Mass,” and he
says “efforts must be made to ensure that the celebration has the
festive character appropriate to the day commemorating the Lord’s
resurrection.” Pope John Paul comments, “In considering the Sunday
Eucharist more than 30 years after the council, we need to assess
how well the word of God is being proclaimed and how effectively the
people of God have grown in knowledge and love of sacred Scripture.”
The pope emphasizes that “the Mass in fact truly makes present the
sacrifice of the cross.” And, he says, the Eucharist’s communal
character “emerges in a special way when it is seen as the Easter
banquet, in which Christ himself becomes our nourishment.” Pope John
Paul writes that “the Eucharistic celebration does not stop at the
church door”; and he discusses Sunday assemblies without a priest,
singing, the relations of Sunday to Sabbath, homilies, the sign of
peace and other matters.
Novo Millennio Ineunte,
“At the Beginning of the New Millennium”
January 6, 2001
This
letter calls for pastoral planning by the church everywhere in which
the universal call to holiness plays a key role and a spirituality
of communion is accented. Examining the dimensions of “a
spirituality of communion,” including “the ability to see what is
positive in others,” Pope John Paul II says a spirituality of
communion means “resisting the selfish temptations which constantly
beset us.” Pope John Paul discusses celebration of the Eucharist,
the sacrament of penance, ecumenism and interreligious dialogue,
forms of prayer, the reading of Scripture, the new evangelization,
inculturation, ecclesial movements, respect for life, and numerous
other topics. Pope John Paul also writes: “We must learn to see
[Christ] especially in the face of those with whom he himself wished
to be identified: ‘I was hungry and you gave me food’... By these
words, no less than by the orthodoxy of her doctrine, the Church
measures her fidelity.”
Rosarium Virginis Mariae,
“The Rosary of the Virgin Mary”
October 16, 2002
This
letter announced the start of a year of the rosary, running from
October 2002 to October 2003. In it, Pope John Paul II recommends
the addition of five new mysteries of the rosary—the mysteries of
light—“to bring out fully the Christological depth of the rosary.”
These mysteries are: Christ’s baptism; his self-revelation at Cana;
his proclamation of the kingdom of God; his transfiguration; and his
institution of the Eucharist. The apostolic letter includes numerous
suggestions for praying the rosary in ways that foster contemplation
of the mysteries of Christ.
Apostolic Constitutions
Sapientia Christiana,
“Christian Wisdom”
April 15, 1979
Establishes norms for ecclesiastical universities.
Sacrae Disciplinae Leges
January 25, 1983
Promulgates the revised Code of Canon Law.
Pastor Bonus,
“The Good Shepherd”
June 28, 1988
Establishes norms for the operation of the Roman Curia.
Ex Corde Ecclesiae,
“Born from the Heart the Church”
August 15, 1990
Divided into two main parts, this apostolic constitution first
discusses the Catholic university’s identity and mission, and the
second part is a presentation of general norms under seven headings
for “all Catholic universities and other Catholic institutes of
higher studies throughout the world.” The norms become effective the
first day of the 1991 academic year.
Fidei Depositum,
“Guarding the Deposit of Faith”
October 11, 1992
Issued on the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
prepared following the Second Vatican Council.
Universi Dominici Gregis,
“Shepherd of the Lord’s Whole Flock”
February 22, 1996
Promulgates new norms for the election of a pope by a conclave of up
to 120 cardinals not 80 years old “before the day of the Roman
pontiff’s death or the day when the Apostolic See becomes vacant.”
Apostolic Exhortations
Catechesi Tradendae,
“On Catechesis in Our Time”
October 16, 1979
[It
has become customary for the Pope to issue an apostolic exhortation
after meetings of the Synod of Bishops. This is true of this
document and the others listed below which follow synodal meetings.]
Pope John Paul II’s first apostolic exhortation was on catechesis or
religious instruction. It followed on the fourth general assembly of
the Synod of Bishops held in October, 1977, which Pope John Paul
attended before his election. The exhortation emphasizes the
“Christocentricity” of all catechesis and defined its aim as
developing, “with God’s help, an as yet initial faith, and to
advance in fullness and to nourish day by day the Christian life of
the faithful, young and old.” Among the topics covered are the need
for systematic catechesis, the content of catechesis and its
integrity; suitable pedagogical methods; catechesis of various age
groups and of the handicapped; catechesis and theology; and the
responsibility of bishops, priests, men and women religious, lay
catechists, schools, and families for catechesis.
Familiaris Consortio,
“On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World”
November 22, 1981
This
document was written after the 1980 international Synod of Bishops.
Four general tasks of the family, discussed by the synod, are also
discussed by Pope John Paul II: to form a community of persons; to
serve life; to participate in society’s development; and to share in
the life and mission of the Church. Among the topics discussed are:
the roles of women and of men in families, marriage as a sacrament,
the rights of children and of the elderly, the role of parents in
the education of children, family planning and birth control,
prayer, marriage preparation, and the pastoral care of families
after marriage, and other issues.
Reconciliatio et Paenitentia,
“On Reconciliation and Penance”
December 2, 1984
Writing after the 1983 Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II
discusses, among other topics, the sacrament of penance; catechesis
on reconciliation and penance; social sin; fasting and almsgiving;
confessors; and the sense of sin and reconciliation within the
church.
Christifideles Laici,
“On the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World”
December 30, 1988
Writing after the 1987 world Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II
says that the vocation and mission of the laity springs from
baptism. The dignity of the laity, their participation in the
Church’s life as a communion, their coresponsibility in the Church’s
mission, their formation, roles of women and men, parish life, and
associations of the laity are among points discussed.
Pastores Dabo Vobis,
“On the Formation of Priests”
March 25, 1992
Writing after the 1990 world Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II
speaks of a scarcity of priestly vocations in parts of the world and
calls for direct preaching on the mystery of vocation; analyzes
factors within society that hinder vocations, while also pointing to
factors that “offer favorable conditions for embarking” on a
vocation; reaffirms the value of priestly celibacy in the Western
Church; discusses major and minor seminaries, cooperation with the
laity, how movements and lay associations foster vocations,
affective maturity among priests, ongoing formation, older
priesthood candidates, roles of laity and women in priestly
formation, among other topics.
Ecclesia in Africa
September 14, 1995
Writing after the spring 1994 Special Assembly for Africa of the
Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II notes that the synod “clearly
showed that issues in Africa such as increasing poverty,
urbanization, the international debt, the arms trade, the problem of
refugees and displaced persons, demographic concerns and threats to
the family, the liberation of women, the spread of AIDS, the
survival of the practice of slavery in some places, ethnocentricity
and tribal opposition figure among the fundamental challenges.”
Christian-Muslim relations, inculturation of faith, formation of the
laity, priestly formation and numerous other topics concerning the
agents and structures of evangelization are discussed. Returning
repeatedly to a human rights theme, he says “the winds of change are
blowing strongly in many parts of Africa, and people are demanding
ever more insistently the recognition and promotion of human rights
and freedoms.”
Vita Consecrata,
“On the Consecrated Life and Its Mission in the Church and in the
World”
March 25, 1996
Writing after the October 1994 world Synod of Bishops, Pope John
Paul II examines the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and
obedience; new and old forms of
consecrated life; religious garb; the founding charisms of
institutes; women; initial and ongoing formation of consecrated
persons; community life; authority’s role; the relationship of
religious superiors and bishops, and their need for ongoing
dialogue; roles within the local church; cooperation with the laity;
issues related to participation in ecclesial movements; roles of
priests and brothers in mixed institutes; promotion of vocations;
the prophetic character of consecrated life; the ecumenical
contribution consecrated institutes can make; their role in
education, including colleges and universities; service of the poor;
and many other concerns.
Ecclesia in America
January 22, 1999
Writing after the Fall 1997 Special Assembly for America of the
Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II says that in America “areas in
which it seems especially necessary to strengthen cooperation are
the sharing of information on pastoral matters, missionary
collaboration, education, immigration and ecumenism.” Pope John Paul
focuses in a special way on new evangelization called for by “the
new and unique situation in which the world and the church find
themselves at the threshold of the third millennium, and the urgent
needs which result. Pope John Paul examines many issues of church
life - for example, spirituality and conversion; Scripture study,
popular piety and inculturation of the Gospel; the role of bishops,
priests, deacons, those in the consecrated life and lay people, the
need to foster priestly vocations, youth ministry, ecumenism and
parish renewal. He applies church social teaching to numerous
challenging social issues such as corruption, the drug trade, the
environment, the arms race, globalization, Third World debt and
torture, and he focuses on the human rights of all, from the unborn
to the aged.
Ecclesia in Asia
November 6, 1999
Writing after the Spring 1998 Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod
of Bishops, Pope John Paul II focuses on how the church’s mission of
evangelization can be carried out in Asia, where nearly two-thirds
of the world’s population lives and where, with the exception of the
Philippines, Christianity is a minority religion. Pope John Paul
says that “there can be no true evangelization without the explicit
proclamation of Jesus as Lord” and that “proclamation that respects
the rights of consciences does not violate freedom, since faith
always demands a free response on the part of the individual.” He
also discusses inculturation; church social teaching; poverty and
oppression; economic growth; the arms race; government corruption;
religious freedom; the formation of evangelizers; basic ecclesial
communities; interreligious dialogue; ecumenism; priests;
consecrated life; the laity, and numerous other concerns.
Ecclesia in Oceania
November 22, 2001
Pope
John Paul II wrote this exhortation in response to the Special
Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Oceania in the Fall of 1998. In
it Pope John Paul says that the need for a new evangelization “is
the first priority for the church in Oceania” and “the time is ripe
for a re-presentation of the Gospel to the peoples of the Pacific.”
The apostolic exhortation discusses the effects of modernization in
Oceania; the role of catechists; ecumenism and interreligious
understanding; fundamentalism; church social teaching; the sanctity
of life; sexual abuse by some clergy and religious; indigenous
peoples; the importance of Scripture; liturgy; women’s roles; the
roles of priest and deacons; the consecrated life; the laity and
other matters.
Ecclesia in Europa
June 28, 2003
The
Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops (October
1 to 23 1999) was the last of a series of continental Synods
celebrated in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2000. In this
apostolic exhortation, Pope John Paul II emphasizes the theme of
Jesus Christ as “our hope” and the “gospel of hope,” often citing
the Book of Revelation. The Pope addresses the challenges and signs
of hope for the Church in Europe. Pope John Paul also discusses the
urgent need for proclamation of the gospel of hope, dialogue with
other religions, the evangelization of culture, the necessity to
“pay particular attention to the multi-faceted world of the mass
media,” liturgy, giving new hope to the poor, the challenge of
unemployment, the pastoral care of the sick, marriage and the
family, service to the Gospel of life, and immigration. In the last
chapter, Pope John Paul discusses the new face of Europe as the
European Union and European institutions expand. He calls on those
drawing up the future European constitution to “include a reference
to the religious and in particular the Christian heritage of
Europe.” After discussing “the Church for the new Europe,” Pope John
Paul closes the exhortation with an “entrustment to Mary.”
Motu Proprio
Ecclesia Dei
July 22, 1988
[The
words motu proprio can be translated “on his own initiative.” They
refer to documents originating with the pope himself, usually
embodying some form of executive action.] In this document Pope John
Paul II urged followers of the schismatic French Archbishop Marcel
Lefebvre to remain “united to the vicar of Christ in the unity of
the Catholic Church,” cautioning that “everyone should be aware that
formal adherence to the schism is a grave offense against God and
carries the penalty of ex-communication decreed by the church’s
law.” Pope John Paul also established a commission to facilitate the
full ecclesial communion of those who have been “until now linked”
to Lefebvre’s society and said that “respect must everywhere be
shown for the feelings of all those who are attached to the Latin
liturgical tradition, by a wide and generous application” of Vatican
directives for use of the Tridentine Mass.
Ad Tuendam Fidem,
To Protect the Faith
May 18, 1998
With
this letter, Pope John Paul II made an addition to canon law to
include the second clause in the profession of faith published in
1989 by the Holy See’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
concerning teachings proposed “definitively.” The letter underlines
the assent required when dealing with church teaching proposed
definitively, and it provides for applying penalties to those who
deny definitive teachings.
Apostolos Suos,
On the Theological and Juridical Nature of Episcopal Conferences
May 21, 1998
Pope
John Paul II affirms the importance of national and regional
conferences of bishops called for by the Second Vatican Council. The
letter discusses collegiality; the individual bishop’s role;
membership in bishops’ conferences and their procedures. Part of it
is devoted to the doctrinal competence of bishops’ conferences
stating that unanimous doctrinal declarations by a conference oblige
the faithful of that territory “to adhere with a sense of religious
respect to that authentic magisterium of their own bishops.” If
there is not unanimity, a recognitio or approval by the Holy See is
necessary before the faithful of that territory would be obliged to
adhere to a doctrinal declaration.
Misericordia Dei,
On Certain Aspects of the Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance
May 2, 2002
Pope
John Paul II stresses that general absolution is “exceptional in
character” and the “the church has always seen an essential link
between the judgment entrusted to the priest in the sacrament and
the need for penitents to name their own sins, except where this is
not possible.” Pope John Paul appeals to bishops and priests “to
undertake a vigorous revitalization of the sacrament of
reconciliation.” Pope John Paul clarifies the nature of the
conditions in which general absolution may be used.
Complete
Writings by Category
Apostolic Constitutions
Ecclesia in Urbe,
“The Church in the City” (January 1, 1998)
Universi Dominici Gregis,
“Shepherd of the Lord’s Whole Flock”
(February 22, 1996)
Fidei Depositum,
“Guarding the Deposit of Faith”
(October 11, 1992)
Ex Corde Ecclesiae,
“Born From the Heart of the Church”
(August 15, 1990)
Pastor Bonus,
“The Good Shepherd”
(June 28, 1988)
Divinus Perfectionis Magister,
“The Divine Teacher of Perfection”
(January 25, 1983)
Sacrae Disciplinae Leges,
promulgates the revised Code of Canon Law
(January 25, 1983)
Magnum Matrimonii Sacramentum,
“The Great Sacrament of Matrimony” (October 7, 1982)
Sapientia Christiana,
“Christian Wisdom”
(April 15, 1979)
Apostolic Exhortations
Pastores Gregis,
Pastors of the Lord’s Flock
(October 16, 2003)
Ecclesia in Europa
(June 28, 2003)
Ecclesia in Oceania
(November 22, 2001)
Ecclesia in Asia
(November 6, 1999)
Ecclesia in America
(January 22, 1999)
Vita Consecrata,
The Consecrated Life
(March 25, 1996)
Ecclesia in Africa
(September 14, 1995)
Pastores Dabo Vobis,
“I Will Give You Shepherds”
(March 25, 1992)
Redemptoris Custos,
“The Guardian of the Redeemer”
(August 15, 1989)
Christifideles Laici,
“On the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World”
(December 30, 1988)
Reconciliatio et Paenitentia,
“Reconciliation and Penance”
(December 2, 1984)
Redemptionis Donum,
“The Gift of Redemption”
(March 25, 1984)
Familiaris Consortio,
“On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World”
(November 22, 1981)
Catechesi Tradendae,
“On Catechesis in Our Time”
(October 16, 1979)
Apostolic Letters
Spiritus et Sponsa: on the 40th anniversary of the Constitution "Sacrosanctum
Concilium" on the Sacred Liturgy
(December 4, 2003)
Rosarium Virginis Mariae,
“The Rosary of the Virgin Mary” on the Most Holy Rosary
(October 16, 2002)
Misericordia Dei
on certain aspects of the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance
(May 2, 2002)
Apostolic Letter to the Catholic People of Hungary for the
conclusion of the “Hungarian Millennium”
(July 25, 2001)
On
the 1700th Anniversary of the “Baptism of Armenia”
(February 17, 2001)
Novo Millennio Ineunte,
“At the Beginning of the New Millennium”
(6 January 2001)
300th Anniversary of the Union of the Greek Catholic Church of
Romania with the Church of Rome
(20 July 2000)
Inter Munera Academiarum,
“Among the Functions of Academies”
(January 28, 1999)
Dies Domini,
“On Keeping the Lord’s Day Holy”
(May 31, 1998)
Divini Amoris Scientia,
“The Science of Divine Love”
(October 19, 1997)
Laetamur Magnopere,
“We Rejoice Greatly” (August 15, 1997)
Operosam Diem,
“The Laborious Day” (December 1, 1996)
Apostolic Letter for the 350 Years of the Union of Uzhorod
(April 18, 1996)
Apostolic Letter for the Fourth Centenary of the Union of Brest
(November 12, 1995)
Orientale Lumen,
“The Light of the East”
(May 2, 1995)
Tertio Millennio Aveniente,
“With the Coming of the Third Millennium”
(November 10, 1994)
Ordinatio Sacerdotalis,
“On Reserving Priestly Ordination to Men”
(May 22, 1994)
Apostolic Letter for the organization of the ecclesiastical
jurisdictions in Poland (March 25, 1992)
Apostolic Letter for the Fifth Centenary of the Evangelization of
the New World (June 29, 1990)
Apostolic Letter for the Centenary of the “Opera di San Pietro
Apostolo” (October 1, 1989)
Apostolic Letter on the Situation in Lebanon (September 7, 1989)
Apostolic Letter on the Occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the
Beginning of World War II
(August 27, 1989)
Vicesimus Quintus Annus,
“The Twenty-Fifth Year”
(December 4, 1988)
Mulieris Dignitatem,
“On the Dignity and Vocation of Women”
(August 15, 1988)
Euntes In Mundum Universum,
“Go into the Entire World” (January 25, 1988)
Duodecim Saeculum,
“The Twelfth Century” (December 4, 1987)
Spiritus Domini,
“The Spirit of the Lord” (August 1, 1987)
Sescentesima Anniversaria,
“The Six Hundredth Anniversary”
(June 5, 1987)
Augustinum Hipponensem,
“Augustine of Hippo” (August 28, 1986)
Dilecti Amici,
“Dear Friends”
(March 31, 1985)
Les Grands Mystères,
“The Great Mysteries” (May 1, 1984)
Redemptionis Anno,
“The Year of Redemption”(April 20, 1984)
Salvifici Doloris,
“On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering”
(February 11, 1984)
A
Concilio Constantinopolitano I,
“From the Council of Constantinople”
(March 25, 1981)
Egregiae Virtutis,
“Of Wondrous Virtue” (December 31, 1980)
Sanctorum Altrix,
“The Sustainer of Saints” (July 11, 1980)
Amantissima Providentia,
“The Most Beloved Providence” (April 29, 1980)
Patres Ecclesiae,
“The Fathers of the Church” (January 2, 1980)
Rutilans Agmen,
“The Shining Throng” (May 8, 1979)
Encyclicals
Ecclesia de Eucharistia,
“On the Eucharist in its Relationship to the Church”
(2003)
Fides et Ratio,
“Faith and Reason”
(14 September 1998)
Ut Unum Sint,
“On Commitment to Ecumenism”
(25 May 1995)
Evangelium Vitae,
“The Gospel of Life”
(25 March 1995)
Veritatis Splendor,
“The Splendor of Truth”
(6 August 1993)
Centesimus Annus,
“On the Hundredth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum”
(1 May 1991)
Redemptoris Missio,
“The Mission of Christ the Redeemer”
(7 December 1990)
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis,
“The Social Concerns of the Church”
(30 December 1987)
Redemptoris Mater,
“The Mother of the Redeemer”
(25 March 1987)
Dominum et Vivificantem,
“On the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church and the World”
(18 May 1986)
Slavorum Apostoli,
“The Apostles of the Slavs”
(2 June 1985)
Laborem Exercens,
“On Human Work”
(14 September 1981)
Dives in Misericordia,
“Rich in Mercy”
(30 November 1980)
Redemptor Hominis,
“The Redeemer of Man”
(4 March 1979)
Letters Motu Proprio
Apostolic Letter in the form of Motu Proprio Misericordia Dei
on certain aspects of the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance
(May 2, 2002)
Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela,
“The Defense of the Holiness of the Sacraments” (January 10, 2002)
Proclamation of St. Thomas More as Patron of Statesmen and
Politicians
(October 31, 2000)
Proclamation of the Co-Patronesses of Europe
(October 1, 1999)
Apostolos Suos,
“On the Theological and Juridical Nature of Episcopal Conferences”
(May 21, 1998)
Ad Tuendam Fidem,
“To Protect the Faith”
(May 18, 1998)
Stella Maris,
“The Star of the Sea”
(January 31, 1997)
Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio promulgation of the definitive
Statute establishing the Labour Office of the Holy See (September
30, 1994)
Vitae Mysterium,
“The Mystery of Life” (February 11, 1994)
Socialium Scientiarum,
“On the Social Sciences” (January 1, 1994)
Inde a Pontificatus,
“Already from the Beginning of the Pontificate”
(March 25, 1993)
Europae Orientalis,
“Eastern Europe” (January 15, 1993)
Ecclesia Dei,
“Church of God”
(July 2, 1988)
Sollicita Cura,
“Solicitous Care” (December 26, 1987)
Quo Civium Iura,
“How the Rights of Citizens” (November 21, 1987)
Dolentium Hominum,
“On Suffering People”
(February 11, 1985)
Tredecium Anni,
“Thirteen Years” (August 6, 1982)
Familia a Deo Instituta,
“The Family Instituted by God” (May 9, 1981)
From: John Paul II: A Light for the World, edited by Sister
Mary Ann Walsh, RSM. © 2003 United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, Inc.,
This page is the work of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and
Mary
