Princeps pastorum

Princeps pastorum (Latin for 'Prince of the shepherds') is the title of an encyclical letter promulgated by Pope John XXIII on 28 November 1959.^[1][2] It is derived from a biblical passage: I Peter 5:4. In its English translation the letter opens with the phrase On the day when "the Prince of the shepherds" entrusted to Us His lambs and sheep. It refers to Jesus Christ.

Princeps pastorum Latin for 'Prince of the Shepherds' Encyclical of Pope John XXIII
Signature date	28 November 1959
Subject	About the missionary apostolate
Number	4 of 8 of the pontificate
Text	In Latin In English
← Grata recordatio   Mater et magistra →

It celebrates the success of Roman Catholic missions to promote the faith, encourages the fostering of native clergy in the countries to which the missions extended^[3] and emphasises the importance of lay Catholics as representatives of the church in non-Catholic countries.^[4] The encyclical points out that while social welfare initiatives are to be supported, the primary task of missions should be to spread Catholic doctrine.^[5]

See also

• List of encyclicals of Pope John XXIII