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motu proprio

American  
[moh-too proh-pree-oh] / ˈmoʊ tu ˈproʊ priˌoʊ /

noun

Latin.
  1. any of certain documents issued by the pope without counsel from others.


motu proprio British  
/ ˈməʊtuː ˈprəʊprɪˌəʊ /

noun

  1. an administrative papal bull

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of motu proprio

Literally, “of one's own accord”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In fact, Pope Paul's long-awaited motu proprio* on birth control was already rolling off the presses in a secret section of the Vatican's printing office.

From Time Magazine Archive

The motu proprio of the Supreme Pontiff permitted, for the first time in the recorded history of the Church, an alteration in the time of celebrating the High Mass usually performed at midnight Christmas Eve.

From Time Magazine Archive

He issued a motu proprio or letter of instruction to Roman Catholic Bishops.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is the motu proprio that demands, somewhat unrealistically, that unmarried deacons take lifetime vows of celibacy; as a result, few single men have applied.

From Time Magazine Archive

The motu proprio, however, did not exclude the use of modern music, provided that it was suitable to be associated with the liturgy; but theatrical music was not to be tolerated.

From Pope Pius the Tenth by Forbes, F. A. (Frances Alice)

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