« MIRARI VOS ». - Opening words of the encyclical of Gregorio XVI, issued on 15 Aug. 1832, against the errors of Lamennais (v.).
After an introduction on present evils, the Pontiff recalls his mission as guardian and interpreter of Revelation, against whose principles opposition was then arising from several quarters, for example concerning celibacy and Marriage; he then sets forth and refutes the theory of religious indifferentism and its consequent liberalism, embodied in the loudly proclaimed freedoms of conscience and of the press and in the juridical system of separation of Church and State. The document concludes with an invitation to loyal submission to the constituted authorities.
Throughout the encyclical there run juridical-dogmatic themes which remained living and deeply felt throughout the century and which returned, clarified and examined, Syllabus (v.) of Pio IX.