Heinrich Denzinger, Peter Hünermann, Robert Fastiggi, et al.: Compendium of Creeds, Definitions, and Declarations on Matters of Faith and Morals (Enchiridion symbolorum…)

papal bull, eugene iv, 1439

The standard reference for Catholic dogmatic theology. The Enchiridion symbolorum reveals the historical development of Church doctrine through chronological arrangement of key passages from principal magisterial source documents. Image links to free 1954 edition, which employs the pre -1963 marginal numbering system. ISBN recommendation: 0898707463

Papal Encyclicals

Pope Benedict XVI signing the encyclical "Caritas in Veritate"

Papal letters to the Universal Church or, in many cases, especially before Vatican II, to the Bishops in communion with the Holy See. Worthy of special attention besides Rerum Novarum (see previous post) are Quadragesimo Anno, Mater et Magistra, Pacem in Terris, Populorum Progressio, Laborum Exercens, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, Centesimus Annus, Caritas in Veritate, Fides et Ratio, and Spe Salvi. As of this post, the Vatican has online the encyclicals of Leo XIII, Pius X, Benedict XV, Pius XI, Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul IIBenedict XVI, and Francis. ISBN recommendation: 0-87650-259-1

Pope John Paul II: Message to the Participants in the Plenary of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (October 22, 1996)

Hubble photo of distant galaxy

Pope John Paul II’s address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences’ Plenary Session on
‘The Origins and Early Evolution of Life’: “How do the conclusions reached by the various scientific disciplines coincide with those contained in the message of Revelation? And if, at first sight, there are apparent contradictions, in what direction do we look for their solution? We know, in fact, that truth cannot contradict truth…” Image links to Pontifical Academy of Sciences translation.  See also Appendix I, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger: In the Beginning…, for a contemporary meditation on the Genesis creation accounts.

Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople: Joint Catholic-Orthodox Declaration

Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I embrace

A joint Catholic-Orthodox declaration, proclaimed 7 December 1965, committing the excommunications, related to Papal embassy to Constantinople in 1054, to oblivion. The declaration marks a first step toward reconciliation between the Catholic and Orthodox communions. Image links to Vatican translation.