Guides: Theology and Religious Studies Research Guide: Papal Documents

How to Find Papal Documents

What Information Do I Need?

[Date]
To find Papal documents, the most important piece of information is the date. Most sources of documents are arranged chronologically. Sources often organize documents by their publication date, which may be somewhat later than the official date of issue. If you cannot find a document under its official date, you should check the several months or year following that date.

[Pontifical Reign]
It is also helpful to know which pope issued the document. You may be able to determine this based on the document's date. An up-to-date list of popes (in Italian) and the dates of their pontifical reigns may be found in the Annuario Pontificio [BX 21. A61]. A list in English, through Pope John Paul II, is available in The New Catholic Encyclopedia, under the entry "Popes, List Of".

[Title]
Many documents are commonly cited by a brief Latin name, which actually reflects the first few words of the text and may differ from the official title. Most sources will list documents by their official title, which tends to be longer and more descriptive. If you are not sure of the full title, some knowledge of the document's subject will be useful in identifying the correct document.

[Type of Document]
Finally, it may be helpful to know the type of document you are searching for (encyclical, constitution, etc.), as some sources are specific to a particular type of document. See the list below for more information about the different types of documents.

Be aware that some document sources are incomplete, especially older compilations. Even with a full citation, it may be difficult to locate a copy of a given document. You may need to check several sources; you will also most likely need to inspect print sources in-person to determine if they contain the document(s) you need.

Where Should I Look?

If the document was issued after 1898, first consult the Papal archive on the Vatican Website.

If the document was issued after 1930 consult the Catholic Periodical Literature Index, 1930-2004 (in print).

If the document was issued after 1740 and before 1978, check Papal Pronouncements: A Guide, 1740-1978.

For documents before 1740, it is best to consult the appropriate Papal Registers or Bullaria collection (also available online).

The Latin text represents the most authoritative version of a given document, with some exceptions; therefore, the Latin source is generally preferred for purposes of citation. In most of the above sources, only the Latin text is available. Certain significant Papal documents may be published in English as standalone publications. Other sources may contain English translations of Latin originals. These include the periodicals The Pope Speaks (1954-2004), L'Osservatore Romano, English Edition available on microfilm (1968-1998) and on CD-ROM (1998-2023), and Origins (1971-2021).

Types of Papal Documents

Papal Bull
A bull is a formal papal document authenticated with a bulla or seal. Originally, metal was used for the seal, but today metal is used only for the most solemn bulls. Bulls typically begin with the issuing pope's name and the phrase, "episcopus servus servorum Dei", and conclude with the date. The content may cover any topic. Many important papal documents are issued as bulls. Bulls are generally cited using the first words of their text.
Apostolic Constitution
Apostolic constitutions are the most solemn form of legal document issued by the pope in his own name. Frequently issued as bulls, they deal primarily with serious doctrinal matters. Since 1911 they have also been used for the erection of dioceses and provinces. Many important documents have been promulgated as constitutions, including The Code of Canon Law.
Motu Proprio
Motu proprios are legislative, apostolic letters written and signed by the pope on his own initiative. Originally used to settle the affairs of the Curia and administer the Papal States, they now handle legislative matters which are significant but do not merit a constitution. Motu proprios are generally brief, and handle specific issues relevant to the Church in a specific time in history. In recent years they have been one of the principal sources of new laws outside of the Code.
Encyclical Letter
Encyclicals are papal letters of a pastoral nature, used in their current form since 1740. These letters offer counsel and shed light on existing doctrine as part of the Holy Father's ordinary teaching authority. They do not belong formally to the deposit of revelation, and their teachings are not definitive unless specifically stated as such. Therefore, certain points of their teachings can often be changed.
Apostolic Epistle
When an encyclical is written in response to a particular need, or when it is addressed to a specific group of persons, it is called an apostolic epistle. These epistles, pastoral in nature and primarily discussing social concerns, are not considered legislative documents.
Apostolic Exhortation
Apostolic exhortations are papal reflections on a particular topic which are addressed to all of the clergy and faithful. The form was first used by Pope Pius XII in 1939. Exhortations generally encourage a particular virtue or mission, and are given on specific occasions. They do not contain dogmatic definitions or policies, and they are not considered legislative documents.
Decretal Letter
Decretals, first used in the 2nd century, originally contained papal decisions related to questions of discipline and administration. During the Middle Ages they were often issued in the form of bulls. In modern times, they are reserved for solemn matters such as dogmatic definitions and canonizations. It is generally accepted that decretals belong to the extraordinary magisterium of the Holy Father; however, they are not considered legislative documents.
Allocutiones / Addresses
Prior to the 19th century, the term "allocutiones" was generally reserved for solemn addresses given by the Holy Father to his cardinals. Today, however, a variety of less-formal papal allocutions and addresses are published in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis and other sources. Their content is not necessarily tied to the Church or liturgy, but attempts to address specific issues or circumstances and is aimed at particular groups of people.
Papal Rescript
A papal rescript generally answers a petition placed before one of the Roman Curiae or the Holy Father himself. It is signed by the cardinal prefect and the secretary of the relevant congregation, and also bears that congregation's seal.
Apostolic Brief
Apostolic briefs, also called brevia, are a simple form of document dealing with matters of relatively-minor importance. This form emerged during the reign of Pope Martin V (1417-31) as a replacement for the ancient form of litterae.

Papal and Curial Pronouncements

Papal and Curial Pronouncements : Their Canonical Significance in Light of the Code of Canon Law by Francis G. Morrisey, O.M.I.
Call Number: BV 1.5 .M6 1995
ISBN: 0919261388
A basic introduction to documents and pronouncements issued by various pontiffs, the Second Vatican Council, and the Curiae.

Papal Pronouncements : A Guide, 1740-1978 by Claudia Carlen
Call Number: BV 1 .C33 (v1-2)
Religious Studies/Philosophy and Canon Law. This 2-volume work lists various types of Papal pronouncements, with brief explanations and citations for official documents and their English translations.
The Papal Encyclicals (1740-1981) by Claudia Carlen
Call Number: BV 4 .C3 1990
Religious Studies/Philosophy, Canon Law, and Mullen Library Stacks. This 5-volume work contains English translations of most encyclicals from 1740-1981.
Acta Apostolicae Sedis
Call Number: BV 2 .A5
Publication Date: 1909-
Religious Studies/Philosophy, Canon Law, and online. Also available in Microform through 1968 [Micfiche. BV 2 .A52]. The official record of the church, AAS publishes most official letters and pronouncements of the Pope and of the Roman Curia. It was preceded by the Acta Sanctae Sedis. More info.
Acta Sanctae Sedis
Call Number: BV 2 .A4
Publication Date: 1865-1908
Canon Law and online. The official record of the church, succeeded by the Acta Apostolicae Sedis.