Aeterni Patris

Aeterni Patris is an 1879 papal encyclical written by Popeleo XIII, emphasizing the importance of studying and restoring the philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas. It encourages Catholics to deepen their understanding of faith through reason and traditional Thomistic thought, positioning it as a foundation for Catholic education, theology, and intellectual life. The document aims to renew Scholastic philosophy as a means to strengthen Catholic doctrine and culture, advocating for a balanced use of faith and reason in pursuit of truth. Overall, it represents a call to return to classical, reasoned approaches to understanding faith and the world.