Pope Benedict's second encyclical will be released next week, the Vatican said on Friday.

The encyclical, called "Spe Salvi" (Latin for "Saved by Hope"), is expected to be a largely philosophical and theological work but also touch on themes such as the role of political systems in building a better world.

It will be released on November 30.

An encyclical is the highest form of papal writing and is addressed to all members of the Church.

Benedict's first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est" (God is Love), was issued in January 2006 and focused on erotic and spiritual love in a personal relationship as well as the role of the Church's network of charity organisations.

The Pope, who was elected in 2005, is believed to be working on a third encyclical on the theme of social justice. That writing is expected to be released next year.