papal bull
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Puzzle #264 · February 20, 2026
A papal bull is a formal document or decree issued by the Pope, named after the lead seal (bulla) attached to authenticate it. The seal traditionally shows the heads of St. Peter and St. Paul on one side and the Pope's name on the other.
Some of the most famous papal bulls in history include:
Unam Sanctam (1302): Defined the absolute authority of the Pope over all human beings, including kings.
Inter Caetera (1493): Issued by Pope Alexander VI, it divided the “New World” between Spain and Portugal.
Sublimis Deus (1537): Prohibited the enslavement of indigenous people in the Americas.
Romanus Pontifex (1455): Granted Portugal rights to acquire African territories and slaves.
Some of the most famous papal bulls in history include:
Unam Sanctam (1302): Defined the absolute authority of the Pope over all human beings, including kings.
Inter Caetera (1493): Issued by Pope Alexander VI, it divided the “New World” between Spain and Portugal.
Sublimis Deus (1537): Prohibited the enslavement of indigenous people in the Americas.
Romanus Pontifex (1455): Granted Portugal rights to acquire African territories and slaves.
Puzzle Appearances
The expression papal bull has appeared in 1 puzzle:
- Puzzle #264 on February 20, 2026
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print
Google's Ngram project shows how often a pair of words has appeared in print every year since the 1800's.
Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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