Encyclicals

A Papal Encyclical is a circular letter which is written by a Pope to an audience of bishops and is intended to guide them in their ministry. Every encyclical is made publicly available for the spiritual benefit of all the people of God.

During his time as Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI wrote three Encyclical letters: Deus Caritas Est, Spe Salvi and Caritas in Veritate.

Each letter was very well received by a wide range of audiences – not just Catholics but other Christians, faith leaders and those who don’t belong to a faith community.

Here you will find each Encyclical with a download available.

Caritas in Veritate

Caritas in Veritate - or Charity in Truth - is the Holy Father's third Encyclical Letter and brings forth the Church’s social teaching focusing on human development in charity and truth.

Spe Salvi

Spe Salvi - or Saved by Hope - is the Holy Father's second Encyclical Letter. Pope Benedict shows how we can grow and be schooled in hope through prayer, action and even suffering.

Deus Caritas Est

Deus Caritas Est - or God is Love - is the Holy Father's first Encyclical Letter. Pope Benedict looks at the place of love in the Church and focuses on eros (sexual love), agape (God's love for humankind) and logos (the Word) - all in the context of Christ and His sacrifice for us.