When the pope writes it himself

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

"I did it myself and I know what I'm talking about."

On July 7, Pope Benedict issued the fifth motu proprio of his papacy: a letter on the use of the Latin Mass. Summorum Pontificum takes effect Sept. 14, the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

A motu proprio is just one of many forms of papal letters, or decrees, which a pontiff can issue.

This type of letter is written by the pope himself, and often without the advice or input of any other person or office. That is what motu proprio means, and that phrase begins each of this type of letter. The full phrase is motu proprio et certa scientia, which means "by one's own accord and certain knowledge."

A motu proprio is written by a pontiff for several reasons. These can include establishing institutions, making minor changes to laws or procedures, or granting favors to individuals or groups.

The first motu proprio was issued by Pope Innocent VIII in 1484 and was directed at the Church in France, which was seen as becoming a bit too independent.

Usually, a motu proprio falls in the category of papal rescripts (meaning to "write back") and answers questions or requests that have been addressed to the pope. The papal answer has the force of law, though it generally only applies to the group or person to whom it is addressed.

However, some motu proprio have a universal nature, as was the case in many of the 41 motu proprio issued by Pope Paul VI. Many of these concerned implementation of the documents of Vatican II, especially as they applied to the Mass and liturgical calendar. For example, Mysterii Paschalis ("On the Roman Calendar and Liturgical Year"), issued on Feb. 14, 1969, led to the removal of many feast days of saints from the church's annual calendar.

By contrast, Pope John Paul only wrote 25 motu proprio and his first of any broad universal interest was not issued until 1988, 10 years into his pontificate. Interestingly, that letter, Ecclesia Dei, dealt with the schismatic action of Abp. Marcel Lefebvre, whose followers are among the group that Pope Benedict's current motu proprio seeks to address.

The other forms of papal letters, sometimes called decrees, which come directly from the pontiff or from one of the official Vatican offices are:

Constitutions - These have the force of law for those to whom they are addressed. This can mean the entire church, or just a specific group or even a person. They can arise from the councils of the church, such as Vatican II, and are signed by the pope, making them binding upon all the faithful.

Bulls - Most often these are official appointments from the pope of individuals - such as new bishops - or of the erection of new dioceses. They are the most official of the papal letters and were, in the past, sealed with a lead seal. They include official decrees from the pope or the Sacred Congregation of the Faith.

Briefs - These letters are less formal than bulls, and are sealed with the Fisherman's ring. They include documents arising from matters of the Vatican's Secretary of State and notices of beatification.

Encyclicals - These letters are sent to all the bishops of the universal church. They are intended as teachings for the entire church and command the obedience of the faithful. Encyclicals can define elements of doctrine.

Exhortations - These are similar to encyclicals in that they often address doctrine, but they do not have the same force. They are more for persuasion and direction.

Letters (called epistolae) - These generally address some large question that has been addressed to the pope as the head of the church. They are used as teaching documents by the popes.

There are also books, messages and speeches issued by the popes.

It is important to remember that the pope is considered the supreme teacher of the church on earth and it is in this capacity that he issues various types of papal letters. It is not necessary, in a motu proprio, for the pope to consult anyone else before issuing it. However, Pope Benedict made it clear that he had consulted many of the bishops of the church - his fellow teachers of the faith - before issuing his letter on the Latin Mass.

So when Pope Benedict said this was motu proprio, "of my own accord," we can be sure that, while he "did it himself," he made sure he knew what he was talking about.