Humanae Vitae

On the Regulation of Birth

St. Paul VI1968-07-25Current

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Overview

Teaches the inseparable unitive and procreative meanings of marital love and addresses responsible parenthood and contraception.

Why This Document Matters

It remains a decisive reference for Catholic sexual ethics, marriage, conscience formation, and the transmission of life.

Historical Context

Issued by St. Paul VI in 1968, this papal encyclical addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Papal Encyclical
Authority class: Papal encyclical
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1968-07-25

Authoritative papal teaching; the weight of individual statements depends on their wording, subject, continuity, and intent.

Key Points

Marriage & FamilyMoral TheologyHuman Dignity & Life

Major Themes

Marriage & FamilyMoral TheologyHuman Dignity & Life

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Humanae Vitae

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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