Pope Benedict XVI plans to issue the second encyclical of his papacy, on the theme of "Christian hope," Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone announced Thursday.Cardinal Bertone, speaking at an international gathering of Catholic charities in Rome, said the pope would sign the document on November 30, but he did not say when the text would be published.
Vatican insiders have said the document -- the highest form of papal writing -- has been completed and was being translated.
It will be the 295th papal encyclical since 1740, when popes first began using such letters to instruct their worldwide flock.
Benedict, elected pope in April 2005, issued his first encyclical in January 2006 on charity and divine love, with the Latin title "Deus Caritas Est."
The popes have traditionally issued such letters as guidance for the Roman Catholic Church as a whole on matters of doctrine, morals or discipline.
Benedict is thought to be preparing a third encyclical on a social theme.
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