ASK FATHER MOST

    Can you please tell me the hierarchy of authority of the various
    types of papal pronouncements, i.e., difference between encyclical,
    apostolic letter, etc.?
                               *********

I do not see any significant difference in the authority of the different
types you name. I know the old books did that. I prefer to follow Vatican
II, which sees three or four categories:

1) Solemn definition

2) Teaching of the Bishops, united, and with Pope, even if
scattered throughout the world, or in council, when the bishops
in union with Pope give authoritative teaching as definitive. That word
is the essential, then it is infallible.

3) Pius XII in 1950, <Humani generis>:

    Nor should we think the things taught in Encyclicals do not
    require assent, on the plea that in them the Popes do not use
    the supreme teaching authority. These are taught with ordinary
    authority, about which it is also correct to say: 'He who hears
    you hears me.'

-That is promise of Christ which cannot fail, so infallible, but he added
that not everything in encyclicals is such: If Pope in his <acta> takes
position on something then being debated in theology, it is removed
from debate, falls under that promise, and so is infallible

4) things not presented as definitive, as in Canon 752- still require
religious submission of will and of mind. -

In sum: whatever is presented as definitive- no special language
required-is infallible. All else is not,but requires assent of religion.

Fr Most

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