Apostolic Constitution

By their nature, apostolic constitutions are addressed to the public. Generic constitutions use the title ''Apostolic Constitution'', and treat on solemn matters of the church, such as the promulgation of statutes or definitive teachings. The forms ''Dogmatic Constitution'' and ''Pastoral Constitution'' are titles sometimes used to be more descriptive as to the document's purpose.

Apostolic Constitutions are issued as Papal Bull s due to their solemn, public form. The next highest category, after an Apostolic Constitution, is an Encyclical Letter .

EXAMPLES OF APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTIONS

''(note: external links)''

'' Universi Dominici gregis '' (1995) — John Paul II 's rules on electing the Roman pontiff

'' Ex corde ecclesiae '' (1990) — John Paul II's rules on Catholic universities

'' Fidei depositum '' (1993) John Paul II's Apostolic constitution on the new Catechism of the Catholic Church

'' Ut sit '' (1982) John Paul II's Apostolic constitution raising Opus Dei to the rank of a personal prelature

'' Romano Pontifici eligendo '' (1975) Paul VI 's Apostolic constitution on the election of the Roman pontiff

'' Missale Romanum '' (1969) Paul VI's Apostolic constitution on the revised liturgy

'' Paenitemini '' (1966) Paul VI's Apostolic constitution on )

'' Veterum sapientia '' (1962) John XXIII 's Apostolic constitution on the promotion of the study of Latin

'' Ineffabilis Deus '' (1854) Pius IX 's dogmatic constitution on the Immaculate Conception

'' Quo primum '' (1570) Pius V 's Apostolic constitution on the Tridentine Mass

Information About ™

Apostolic Constitution

Information About ^{^™}