Jus novum (c. 1140-1563) Jus novissimum (c. 1563-1918) Jus codicis (1918-present) Other Sacraments Sacramentals Sacred places Sacred times Supra-diocesan/eparchal structures Particular churches Juridic persons Philosophy, theology, and fundamental theory of Catholic canon law Clerics Office Juridic and physical persons Associations of the faithful Pars dynamica (trial procedure) Canonization Election of the Roman Pontiff Academic degrees Journals and Professional Societies Faculties of canon law Canonists Institute of consecrated life Society of apostolic life An apostolic constitution (Latin: constitutio apostolica) is the most solemn form of legislation issued by the Pope.
[1][2] By their nature, apostolic constitutions are addressed to the public.
Generic constitutions use the title apostolic constitution and treat on solemn matters of the church, such as the promulgation of laws or definitive teachings.
[3] Apostolic constitutions are issued as papal bulls because of their solemn, public form.
Among types of papal legislation, apostolic letters issued motu proprio are next in solemnity.