Broadly speaking, all documents issued by the Holy See. Before Pius X these were divided into bulls and briefs. Now the term is restricted to documents in brief form used for lesser appointments and for erecting and dividing mission territory, designating basilicas, and approving religious congregations.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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