Papal Bull
A Papal Bull is an official letter or decree issued by the Pope, often addressing important matters of the Catholic Church or defining significant doctrines. The term "bull" comes from the seal (bulla) that was historically used to authenticate the document. Papal Bulls can cover a variety of topics, including canon law, church appointments, or responses to theological issues. They are considered authoritative and binding within the Catholic Church, and some famous examples include the Bull of Excommunication against Martin Luther and the Papal Bull of Discovery, which justified European colonization.
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A papal bull is an official document issued by the Pope, often used to communicate important teachings, decisions, or declarations from the Vatican. The term "bull" comes from the Latin word "bulla," referring to the seal that authenticates the document. Papal bulls can cover various topics, such as doctrine, canon law, or the establishment of saints. Historically, they have addressed significant issues like social justice, religious matters, and church governance, making them influential in both the church and secular matters.