What is an Encyclical?

An encyclical is a formal pastoral letter written by or in collaboration with the pope. Encyclicals focus on timely teachings on matters of faith and morals. They are the usual means by which the pope exercises teaching authority as the chief pastor and teacher of the whole Church. Catholics are usually obliged to obey the moral and theological content of all encyclicals.

What is Papal Infallibility?

On a human level, we all know that we make mistakes and errors. Papal infallibility is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a very positive dimension of the Church, which is "the pillar and foundation of truth." (I Timothy 3:15) Only God is infallible. Papal infallibility means that the Church will never depart from the truth of Jesus Christ.

Papal authority is exercised in two ways:

1. When the bishops are assembled in an ecumenical council and teach on matters of faith and morals to the universal Church.
   
   
2. When the pope uses his supreme authority as successor to Peter to teach on matters of faith and morals to the universal Church.
   
   

What is Church Dogma?

A dogma is an infallible teaching of the Church. To reject a Church dogma is to be in heresy--the denial or doubt of a divine truth that has been revealed by the Church's universal teaching authority.

What is Church Doctrine?

Church doctrines are official teachings of the Church. It is important to point out that every Church dogma is a doctrine, but not every Church doctrine is a dogma. Doctrines are the core of Catholic faith. They are made known to Church members by the teaching authority of the pope, ecumenical councils, regional or national conferences of bishops, and international synods. The purpose of doctrines is to help Catholics live out their relationship with God and with one another according to the example of Jesus.

What is a Conclave?

A conclave is a secret or closed meeting. The election of a pope occurs in a closed meeting or conclave of the College of Cardinals.