In light of the recent publication of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi te, we would like to present to Exaudi readers the differences between the papal documents.

In the Catholic Church, the Pope issues various documents to teach, guide, and encourage the faithful. Prominent among these are the apostolic exhortation, the encyclical, and the apostolic letter. Although all are important, each has a particular purpose and form.

Apostolic Letter: direct and specific communication

The apostolic letter (Latin:  Epistola apostolica) is an official document from the Pope addressed to a specific person, group, or community. Although it can be addressed to the entire Church, its tone and style are usually more personal and less solemn than other papal documents. It is used to address specific topics or particular situations.

Prominent example:  Mulieris Dignitatem  (1988) by Pope John Paul II, dedicated to the dignity and vocation of women.

Apostolic Exhortation: Call to Pastoral Action

An apostolic exhortation is a pastoral document that invites the faithful to deepen their faith and actively engage in Christian life. It usually arises from a synod or a reflection by the Pope on a specific topic. Although it lacks the solemnity of an encyclical, its content is of great relevance to the life of the Church.

Prominent example: Pope Francis’  Evangelii Gaudium  (2013), which encourages Christians to live the Gospel joyfully and to be missionaries in today’s world.

Encyclical: doctrinal teaching of universal scope

The encyclical (from the Latin encyclica, meaning “circular”) is the Pope’s most solemn and doctrinal document. It is addressed to all bishops and, by extension, to all the faithful of the Church. It addresses topics of great importance to doctrine, morality, and social and political life from a Christian perspective.

Prominent example: Pope Francis’  Laudato Si’  (2015), which addresses the ecological crisis and the responsibility of Christians to care for creation.

Although the apostolic exhortation, the encyclical, and the apostolic letter are documents issued by the Pope, each has a particular purpose and form. Understanding their differences helps us better appreciate the richness of the Church’s Magisterium and respond appropriately to its teachings.