Encyclicals by Benedict XVI

Home - Holy Father - Benedict XVI - Encyclicals

"Simon, Simon . . . I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32).

Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was one of the most brilliant persons in the Catholic Church.  His writings are a tremendous source of knowledge about the Christian Religion.

Reading encyclicals is a great way to enter into the mind and heart of the Church.  They are usually written in very clear and simple language and express the truths of the Christian Religion in a convincing manner.  A copious list of Pope Benedict XVI's writings can be read at the Vatican's website.  The encyclicals can be purchased in comfortable book form from Pauline Books and Media.

Encyclicals are available in Adobe Acrobat PDF, which allows for easy viewing and printing.  All you need is the free Adobe Reader.  It can take a few minutes to load, depending on connection.

1. Deus caritas est (God Is Love) February 25, 2006 (PDF)

2. Spe Salvi (Christian Hope) November 30, 2007 (PDF)

3. Caritas In Veritate (On Integral Human Development in Charity and Truth) June 29, 2009 (PDF)