Ubi primum (Leo XII.)
Ubi primum is the inaugural encyclical of Pope Leo XII. dated May 5, 1824, in it he describes his thoughts on the occasion of taking over his pontificate . He too will stick to the example of his great predecessor, Leo the Great (440–461), who took office in humility.
About his office
The intention of his letter, the Pope writes, is to convey his thoughts to his brothers, to encourage them and to ask them to heed the divine prayers. It is also his intention to speak to the bishops and deal with serious questions. The focus of his work, however, lies in pastoral care . Furthermore, he calls on everyone to faithfully fulfill the decrees and instructions of his predecessors.
To the bishops and clergy
He calls on his confreres to rule personally and to fulfill their episcopal duties faithfully; the Pope then mentions other characteristics such as willingness to make sacrifices, administration of the sacraments , sermons about God's word , paternal care and exemplary living of the Christian commandments . The precepts of the canon and the results of the Council of Trent would have to be brought into the parishes and "among the flock"; bishops who do not properly teach and obey the decrees and resolutions would be brought to justice. In the exhortation he warns his bishops against false teachings, “bad books”, pseudo-philosophical scholars, malicious interpreters of the Bible and sects, and exhorts them to resist this evil. At the same time he encourages them to stand firm against these heretics .
Web links
- Text of the encyclical (English)
