Ubi primum

encyclical by Benedict XIV

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July 14, 2026

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Ubi primum was the first document to be commonly called an encyclical. Published in 1740 by Pope Benedict XIV, this pastoral letter addressed the duties of bishops within the Roman Catholic Church. Encyclicals are formal letters from the pope on matters of doctrine, morals, or discipline. While papal letters have existed since the early days of the church, Ubi primum marked the beginning of what is now recognized as the modern encyclical tradition. The use of encyclicals to specifically communicate church teaching became more frequent starting with Pope Pius IX in the mid-19th century.12

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encyclical
…commonly called an encyclical was Ubi primum (“When It First”), dealing with episcopal duties, published by Benedict XIV in 1740. Only from the time of Pius IX (reigned 1846–78) have encyclicals been frequently used to communicate church teaching.
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…commonly called an encyclical was Ubi primum (“When It First”), dealing with episcopal duties, published by Benedict XIV in 1740. Only from the time of Pius IX (reigned 1846–78) have encyclicals been frequently used to communicate church teaching.
Read More