encyclical

American  

[en-sik-li-kuhl, -sahy-kli-] / ɛnˈsɪk lɪ kəl, -ˈsaɪ klɪ- /

Also encyclic

noun

1. Roman Catholic Church. a letter addressed by the pope to all the bishops of the church.

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adjective

1. (of a letter) intended for wide or general circulation; general.

encyclical British  

/ ɛnˈsɪklɪkəl /

noun

1. a letter sent by the pope to all Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world

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adjective

1. (of letters) intended for general or wide circulation

encyclical Cultural  

1. A letter from the pope to the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, in which he lays down policy on religious, moral, or political issues.

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Etymology

Origin of encyclical

1610–20; < Late Latin encyclicus (< Greek enkýklios, with -icus -ic for -ios, equivalent to en- en- ² + kýkl ( os ) circle, cycle + -ios adj. suffix) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

We will know more about the explicit course of Catholic thought on AI if Leo issues a much-rumored encyclical on the topic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

In 1931, Pope Pius XI issued his encyclical “Quadragesimo Anno,” or “40th Anniversary,” commemorating Rerum Novarum’s release with expanded teachings on labor and how “the worker’s human dignity in it must be recognized.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2025

Another session used a papal encyclical to “highlight the tension and possibility inherent in Christians in political vocations.”

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2024

There, he re-mixed electronic dance beats with words from Pope Francis’ encyclical about protecting the environment.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2023

And this omission accords very well with the encyclical or general character of the Epistle.

From The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel According to S. Mark by Burgon, John William