Page "Allocution" Paragraph 10

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, an Allocution is a solemn form of address or speech from the throne employed by the Pope on certain occasions.

It is delivered only in a secret consistory at which the cardinals alone are present.

The term allocutio was used by the ancient Romans for the speech made by a commander to his troops, either before a battle or during it, to animate and encourage them.

The term when adopted into ecclesiastical usage retained much of its original significance.

An allocution of the Pope often takes the place of a manifesto when a struggle between the Holy See and the secular powers has reached an acute stage.