Motu Proprio - A document issued Motu Proprio is from the Pope on his own initiative, and not in response to a request or at the  initiative of others. Its legal determinations carry the full force of papal authority, though it does not derogate from existing laws unless specifically stated. It can be any category of document.

Ecclesia Dei

Apostolic letter of Pope John Paul II issued "Motu proprio" on July 2, 1988. In this letter the Pope establishes a commission to facilitate the full ecclesial communion of those who have been linked to Lefebvre's society. He declares Archbishop Lefebvre and the four men that he consecrated as bishops excommunicated for their disobedience. He encourages a wide and generous application of Vatican directives for use of the Tridentine Mass.

Ad tuendam fidem

Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter "Motu Proprio" Ad Tuendam Fidem (To Protect the Faith) by which certain norms are inserted into the "Code of Canon Law" and into the "Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches." These changes reflect the content of the "Profession of Faith" promulgated in 1989 by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the obligation of Catholics to believe "definitive teachings," and not just those defined by a solemn exercise of papal infallibility.

Apostolos Suos

Apostolic Letter issued "Motu proprio" on the theological and juridical significance of episcopal conferences.

On the Apostleship of the Sea

Apostolic Letter issued "motu proprio" on the Apostleship of the Sea.

Pope John Paul II, The Mystery of Life

'Vitae mysterium' Motu Proprio establishing the Pontifical Academy for Life (February 11, 1994).

Pope John Paul II, Three Co-Patronesses of Europe

On 1 October 1999, the Holy Father designated three patronesses of Europe (in addition to the three patrons, St. Benedict, Sts. Cyril and Methodius), Sts Bridget
of Sweden, Catherine of Siena, and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Pope John Paul II, St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen and Politicians 

An Apostolic Letter, 31 October 2000, written of his own volition by the Holy Father, naming St. Thomas More Patron of Statesmen and Politicians, in response to the request of "several Heads of State and of Government, numerous political figures, and some Episcopal Conferences and individual Bishops."

Pope John Paul II, Misericordia Dei 

Published 2 May 2002, an Apostolic Letter "In The Form Of Motu Proprio On Certain Aspects of the Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance." A primary theme of the Letter is that, since both guilt and repentance are entirely personal, the only ordinary way to receive sacramental absolution is after individual confession.