Q. What is the difference between a papal encyclical and a motu proprio?

A. First one needs to understand that these are only two categories of church documents and it can be confusing sometimes to know what level of authority each has. There are, of course, categories of documents — legislative, doctrinal (teaching) and pastoral.

There is not a lot of practical difference between a papal encyclical and a motu proprio. Generally, motu proprio means literally, by one’s own volition, one’s personal action. It is a legislative document or decree issued by the pope on his own initiative, not in response to anyone’s request.

An encyclical (encyclical epistola — literally, “circular letter”) is generally suggested by some person or external condition or need that he sees in the Church that has been identified and suggested that he write on. It is a formal apostolic letter usually addressed to the bishops, clergy and faithful of the entire church.

Generally motu proprio contains norms,  binding things that oblige us to act or do a certain thing. An encyclical is usually more instructive. Since Pope Pius XII it has been more popular. There were very few encyclicals before that time.

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