Papal Bull (Noun)
Meaning
A formal proclamation issued by the pope (usually written in antiquated characters and sealed with a leaden bulla).
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- A papal bull was issued by the Pope to formally dissolve the Order of the Templars.
- The papal bull entitled "Unam Sanctam" aimed to solidify the Pope's authority over monarchs and nobles.
- A rare copy of the 1215 papal bull granting Venice the right to trade in the Mediterranean was recently put on display.
- Scientists have used carbon-14 dating on the vellum to confirm the authenticity of the centuries-old papal bull.
- The original papal bull was likely written in elegant calligraphy on a single piece of parchment, sealed by his Holiness himself.