Prompt modes: Auto and Magisterial

Magisterium AI can search different slices of its library, depending on the kind of answer you want. These are called Sources (also called modes).

Where to find them

1. In the chat box, click the + button.
2. Choose Sources.
3. Pick Auto or Magisterial.

The two sources

• Auto — Intelligently references all documents as needed. The default. Magisterium AI decides which documents to draw from based on your question.
• Magisterial — Query only official Church teaching. Restricts answers to the magisterium: papal encyclicals, council documents, catechisms, apostolic letters, and similar official teaching.

Both are available to everyone, no upgrade required.

A few practical examples

• "What is the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist?" → Magisterial gives you exactly what the Church currently teaches.
• "Is there fasting before Communion?" → Auto works well because the answer depends on current liturgical law together with pastoral context.
• "How did St. Thomas understand the Eucharist?" → Auto lets the AI surface relevant theological commentary alongside Church teaching.

Narrowing it further

When you pick Magisterial, a Filter option appears so you can restrict the AI to specific document types (e.g. only encyclicals, or only canon law). See Filtering by document type in Magisterial Mode.

Changing mode

Your Sources choice sticks for the chat you're in, but you can change it at any time by reopening the + → Sources menu.