In the Apostolic Constitution The Doctrine of Indulgences of January 1, 1967 we read: "Holy Mother Church has then deemed it fitting, in order to give greater dignity and esteem to the use of indulgences, to introduce some innovations into her discipline of indulgences and has accordingly ordered the issuance of new norms."
Norm 13 of the same Constitution decrees, moreover, as follows: "The Enchiridion of Indulgences [collection of indulgenced prayers and works] is to be revised with a view to attaching indulgences only to the most important prayers and works of piety, charity and penance."
In obedience to the will of the Sovereign Pontiff, as expressed both in the above-mentioned Apostolic Constitution and in further instructions from Him, this Sacred Penitentiary has seen to the careful preparation of a new Enchiridion of Indulgences.
The Sovereign Pontiff, Paul VI -- having received a report on the matter in an Audience granted on June 14 of the present year to the undersigned Cardinal, the Penitentiary Major -- on the 15th day of the same month approved, and ordered to be held authentic, the new Enchiridion of Indulgences as published by the Vatican Press. All general grants of indulgences, not included in this same Enchiridion, are hereby revoked. Revoked also are any ordinances concerning indulgences, not included in the Norms on Indulgences given below, whether in the Code of Canon Law, or in Apostolic Letters, even if issued "Motu proprio," or in Decrees of the Holy See.
Everything to the contrary notwithstanding, even if deserving of special mention.
Given at Rome, from the Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary, on the 29th day of June in the year 1968, the feast of the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul.
+ JOSEPH CARDINAL FERRETTO
Titular Bishop of the Suburban Church of Sabina and Poggio MirtetoPenitentiary Major
John Sessolo Regent