Bull

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

an authoritative document issued by the popes, "usually an open letter containing some decree, order, or decision relating to a matter of grace or justice." The document is sealed with a globular leaden seal or bulla. The bulla is attached to it by a red or yellow thread, if relating to matters of grace, and by an uncolored strand of hemp, if relating to matters of justice. One side of the bulla, somewhat flattened, bears the heads of St. Peter and St. Paul; the other bears the name of the pope. The writing is in Latin on the finest parchment. A papal bull opens with the name of the pope. Thus the form is "Pius, episcopus, servus servorum Dei, in Domino salutem et apostolicam benedictionem,"--"Pius, bishop, servant of the servants of God, in the Lord salutation and apostolical benediction." The red seal of the pope is attached to the parchment itself. The term "papal bull" is akin to government bulletin. It has no relation to the similar word signifying a blunder. In 1758 an edition of papal bulls and briefs was published in nineteen volumes at Luxembourg. The editing required thirty years. For imperial bulls, see GOLDEN BULL . 2026 Editor's Note: Two bulls changed the world map and the church: Inter caetera of 1493 divided the newly found lands between Spain and Portugal, and Exsurge Domine of 1520 condemned Martin Luther, who burned it publicly and split Western Christianity. The name comes, as the entry says, from the lead seal — the bulla — not from any bull. (Ed: BR 2026-06-18)