Definition: A document, signed personally by the pope, and issued solely on his authority and not in response to a request. A motu proprio is usually issued to address what the pope regards as a special need of the Church. The phrase is Latin, and its literal meaning is "of one's own will."
Pronunciation: 'MO-too 'PRO-pree-o
Also Known As: proprio motu
Common Misspellings: moto proprio
Examples:
"Pope Benedict XVI is expected to release a motu proprio allowing for a broader use of the Traditional Latin Mass, often known as the Tridentine Mass or the Mass of St. Pius V."
