Veritatis Splendor

Regarding Certain Fundamental Questions of the Church’s Moral Teaching

St. John Paul II1993-08-06Current

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Overview

Sets out the foundations of Catholic moral theology, including freedom, truth, conscience, natural law, and intrinsically evil acts.

Why This Document Matters

It is indispensable for understanding how Catholic moral judgments relate to truth, grace, and human freedom.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John Paul II in 1993, 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: 1993-08-06

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

Key Points

Moral TheologyDoctrine & FaithHuman Dignity & Life

Major Themes

Moral TheologyDoctrine & FaithHuman Dignity & Life

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Veritatis Splendor

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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