2. Since the Second Vatican Council, various documents of the Magisterium have explored in depth the meaning and value of this way of life, promoting the contemplative dimension of cloistered communities and their specific role in the life of the Church. (⁸) In particular, the Council's Decree Perfectae Caritatis (No. 7 and No. 16) and the Instruction Venite Seorsum wonderfully illustrate the evangelical, theological, spiritual and ascetical roots of separation from the world for the sake of a complete and exclusive dedication to God in contemplation.

The Holy Father Pope John Paul II has often exhorted nuns to remain faithful to the cloistered life in keeping with their particular charism; and in the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata he decreed that to this end specific norms be given for the practical regulation of enclosure, continuing the path of renewal already undertaken, so that it may better suit the range of contemplative Institutes and the various monastic traditions. Thus, reborn of the Holy Spirit and faithful to their character and mission, cloistered nuns may move into the future with genuine momentum and renewed vigour. (⁹)

While reaffirming the doctrinal foundations of enclosure set out by the Instruction Venite Seorsum (I-V) and the Exhortation Vita Consecrata (No. 59), this present Instruction establishes the norms which are to regulate the papal enclosure of nuns who are dedicated to a wholly contemplative life.