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A papal document is any official written instrument issued by the Pope of the Catholic Church. The term may refer to several distinct forms, which differ in solemnity, purpose, and addressee:

• Papal bull – a public decree or charter authenticated by a leaden seal (bulla); among the oldest and most solemn forms of papal document, used for matters such as canonizations, the erection of dioceses, and excommunications
• Apostolic constitution – the most solemn form of papal legislation, typically dealing with weighty doctrinal or structural matters of the Church; frequently issued as a papal bull
• Encyclical – a pastoral letter, used in their current form since 1740, normally addressed to the world's bishops and sometimes to all people; used to offer counsel on matters of doctrine, social teaching, or morals
• Apostolic exhortation – a magisterial document encouraging the faithful toward a particular virtue or mission; frequently issued following a Synod of Bishops, in which case it is known as a post-synodal apostolic exhortation; not considered legislative or doctrinally definitive
• Apostolic letter – a letter addressed to individuals, groups, or the Church at large on matters of governance or pastoral concern; the vehicle for many motu proprio decrees
• Motu proprio – a document issued by the pope on his own initiative (motu proprio, Latin: "on his own impulse"), personally signed by him; typically used for legislative matters, modifications to canon law, or the granting of privileges
• Papal brief – a less formal alternative to the papal bull, authenticated with a wax or ink impression of the Ring of the Fisherman rather than a leaden seal; introduced in the 14th century

• Holy See
• Canon law of the Catholic Church
• Magisterium
• Lists of papal encyclicals

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