papal encyclical
A formal letter from the Pope to all bishops, often addressing doctrine or important matters. In Japanese, this term is used specifically for papal encyclicals.
The Pope issued a new encyclical.
Compound of 同文 (dōbun, 'same text') and 通達 (tsūtatsu, 'notification, circular'), referring to a circular letter sent to multiple recipients. The specific sense of 'papal encyclical' is a specialized usage.