encyclical

 
Pronunciation: /ɛnˈsɪklɪk(ə)l, ɪn-, -ˈsʌɪk-/

noun

  • a papal letter sent to all bishops of the Roman Catholic Church.

Origin:

mid 17th century (as an adjective): via late Latin from Greek enkuklios 'circular, general', from en- 'in' + kuklos 'a circle'