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Vatican.va

Holy See

Skip the middleman. Vatican.va is the official website of the Holy See. By its own description it offers the teaching of the popes, the fundamental texts of Catholicism in various languages (the Bible, the Catechism, the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Code of Canon Law), and the documents of the Vatican's offices.

For OCIA, it's where you go to read a document yourself instead of trusting someone's summary. Read a papal encyclical. Look up Dei Verbum on revelation or Lumen Gentium on the Church. Browse the Catechism. Navigation can be clunky, but the content is authoritative and free.

It suits inquirers who want primary sources, catechists preparing sessions, and anyone who hears “the Pope said” on the news and wants to read the actual words. Start with a short papal message or homily, then work up to the encyclicals. Most documents are available in several languages.

Key Takeaways

  • Papal encyclicals and messages in full.
  • The documents of the Second Vatican Council.
  • The Catechism, the Bible and the Code of Canon Law.
  • The actual words behind the headlines.
Why it’s on the shelf

It lets you read the Church's documents straight from the source.

Recommended by: St. Patrick Momence OCIA Page
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