Motu Proprio

The name given to certain papal rescripts on account of the clause motu proprio (of his own accord) used in the document. The words signify that the provisions of the rescript were decided on by the pope personally, that is, not on the advice of the cardinals or others, but for reasons which he himself deemed sufficient. The document has generally the form of a decree: in style it resembles a Brief rather than a Bull, but differs from both especially in not being sealed or countersigned. It issues from the Dataria Apostolica, and is usually written in Italian or Latin. It begins by stating the reason inducing the sovereign pontiff to act, after which is stated the law or regulation made, or the favour granted, It is signed, personally by the pope, his name and the date being always in Latin. (Source: New Advent / Catholic Encyclopedia https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10602a.htm)

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Pope Francis prays at his Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square on April 12, 2023.

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Pope Francis speaks during his weekly general audience on Ash Wednesday Feb. 22, 2023.

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Pope Francis speaking at the general audience on St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Nov. 30, 2022

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By AC Wimmer

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Pope Francis gives a Regina Coeli address at the Vatican on May 2, 2021

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St. Peter's Dome.

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Pope Francis’ general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Feb. 9, 2022.

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The Pontifical North American College is a major seminary in Rome that educates seminarians from U.S. diocese and elsewhere.

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By Alejandro Bermudez

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Bishop Rob Mutsaerts, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of ’s-Hertogenbosch, in the Netherlands.

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By CNA Staff

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Tridentine Mass in Strasbourg Cathedral, France.

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Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster.

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Cardinal Raymond Burke listens in the audience during the presentation of the new book Christvs Vincit by Bishop Athanasius Schneider, in Rome on Oct. 14, 2019.

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Jul 22, 2021

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Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila (right) is led to his cathedra inside the 
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By Jose Torres, Jr.

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A Traditional Latin Mass.

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By CNA Staff

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The prostration of the ordinands at the Fraternity of St. Peter's Roman Parish, Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini, June 27, 2013

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Bishop Thomas Paprocki consecrates the host during Mass.

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By Jonah McKeown

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June 22,2013: The prostration of the ordinands during the Litany of the Saints at the Fraternity of St. Peter's Roman parish, Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini in Rome

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Pope Francis, pictured on July 27, 2016.

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Jul 16, 2021

By Pope Francis

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