encyclical

/ɪnˈsɪklɪkəl/
noun
  1. A letter written by the Pope to all Roman Catholic bishops, usually about important religious or moral issues.
    • The Pope issued an encyclical on the environment and climate change.
    • The encyclical was read aloud in churches around the world.
    • Many Catholics studied the new encyclical about peace and justice.
adjective
  1. Relating to or being a letter sent for general circulation, especially from the Pope.
    • Scholars analyzed the encyclical document for its theological meaning.
    • The encyclical letter addressed modern social problems.
    • The encyclical message was translated into dozens of languages.