On Aid for Ireland (Praedecessores nostros)
Promulgated 25 Mar 1847. Pius calls upon the bishops of the world to proclaim three days of public prayer for the Irish, who were suffering from persecutions, famine and disease. He also urges them to collect alms for the their relief.

On the Church in the Pontifical States (Nostis et nobiscum)
Promulgated  8 Dec 1849. Pius comments on the political situation in Rome and the surrounding areas, with particular attention to socialism and communism.

On Episcopal Meetings (Optime noscitis)
Promulgated 5 Nov 1855. Writing to the bishops of the Austrian Empire, Pius praises the piety and zeal of the Church of Emperor Franz Josef, and, following on a recent agreement of the same with the Holy See, urges the clergy of the Empire to provide for the good of their people by holding provincial and diocesan synods, etc.

On the Church in Austria (Singulari quidem)
Promulgated 17 Mar 1856. Pius praises the bishops of Austria for implementing Concordat between the Emperor Franz Josef and the Holy See; he then addresses various evils afflicting the Church, speaks of the true meaning of progress in the Church, on the education of clergy and youth, etc.

Pleading for Public Prayer (Cum Sancta Mater Ecclesia)
Promulgated 27 Apr 1859. Pius asks the bishops to order public prayers in their dioceses that God might 'turn his wrath from us and banish war to the very ends of the earth.'

On Pontifical States (Qui nuper)
Promulgated 18 Jun 1859. Pius informs the bishops of the rebellions taking place in the papal states, and asks their prayers.

On the Need for Civil Sovereignty (Nullis certe verbis)
Promulgated 19 Jan 1860. Pius thanks the bishops for supporting him in the struggle against rebellion in the papal states by their prayers and teaching. He rejects Napoleon III's council to surrender the rebellious provinces, and asks the bishops for their continued support.

On Persecution in New Granada (Incredibili)
Promulgated 17 Sep 1863. Pius, writing to the bishops of New Granada, decries the persecution to which the Church of that nation is subject, and laments that some clerics have sided with the government. He condemns the government, calls on its leaders to repent, and exhorts the Church to prayer.

On the Church in Bavaria (Maximae quidem)
Promulgated 18 Aug 1864. Pius rejoices at the synod held by the Bavarian bishops at which they laid plans for the safeguarding of their Churches. He exhorts them and their priests to defend the rights of the Church, especially with regard to public schools.

On the Afflictions of the Church (Levate)
Promulgated 27 Oct 1867. Pius describes and condemns the evils perpetrated against the Church in Italy, Poland and Russia, commands public prayer throughout the Church, and grants a plenary indulgence to encourage participation.

Taking of the Pontifical States (Respicientes)
Promulgated 1 Nov 1870. Pius relates the history of the war between Piedmont and the Papal States, the occupation of Rome and the evils following therefrom. He protests the usurpation of his authority, excommunicates the usurpers, and hopes for their repentance.

Church in Italy, Germany, Switzerland (Etsi multa)
Promulgated  21 Nov 1873. Pius denounces actions against the Church by the governments of Italy, Germany and Switzerland, and encourages Catholics by reminding them of the indefectibility of the Church.

On the Church in Austria (Vix dum a nobis)
Promulgated 7 Mar 1874. Pius condemns proposed legislation being considered by the Austrian assembly, which would if passed assert civil authority over the Church. He exhorts the Austrian bishops to fight to forestall the proposed laws.

On the Church in Prussia (Quod nunquam)
Promulgated 5 Feb 1875. Pius condemns new laws passed against the Church in Prussia, and encourages the bishops of that country to be subject to civil authority when appropriate, but to obey God before men.