Papal Encyclicals Explained | SJS Podcast | Season 2, Episode 12
SJS Podcast
In this episode of the SJSPodcast, Fr. Stanislaus Achu is joined by Fr. Thomas Macdonald to explore one of the Church's most important teaching instruments: the papal encyclical. Together, they trace the origins of encyclicals to the apostolic letters of the New Testament, explain their role within the Church's magisterium, and discuss the different levels of authority they carry. From the social upheaval of the Industrial Revolution to modern questions surrounding bioethics and artificial intelligence, they examine how popes have applied the timeless truths of the Gospel to the challenges of every age. The conversation also looks at Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical on artificial intelligence, why AI presents unique moral questions, and how the Church continues to offer thoughtful, authoritative guidance rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and reason. Whether you've heard of papal encyclicals but never understood their purpose—or you're wondering what the Church has to say about today's most pressing issues—this episode offers a clear introduction to why these papal letters remain as relevant now as ever.