Pope Benedict XVI to release 2nd encyclical

Pope Benedict XVI to release 2nd encyclical

Pope Benedict XVI has written an encyclical about hope that will appear next week.

An encyclical is the most authoritative document a pope can issue. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the pope's top aide, told reporters the encyclical would be signed by Benedict on Nov. 30.

Benedict's first encyclical focused on what he has said is the core of Christian faith: love. It was released in January 2006, nine months after he was elected pontiff.

Papal encyclicals are generally translated into several languages, a process which can take some time, and the Vatican has not yet announced when the latest encyclical will be presented to the media.