Encyclicals et cetera

Compendium of Catholic Social Doctrine

This compendium presents the social doctrine of the Church, rooted in God's plan of love for humanity and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the dignity of the human person, created in God's image and oriented towards communion with the Trinity, and outlines various aspects of social life influenced by this perspective, such as the rights of workers, the importance of solidarity, and the proper understanding of wealth as something to be shared.
Key principles like the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, and solidarity are explored as foundations for a just society, alongside the significance of human rights and the role of family and the political community. The text also addresses critical contemporary issues like the environment and the pursuit of peace, condemning war and terrorism while highlighting the need for international cooperation and responsible action from both individuals and institutions, including businesses.
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Laborem Exercens - On Human Work

"Laborem Exercens," issued by Pope John Paul II on the ninetieth anniversary of "Rerum Novarum," explores the dignity and value of human work. It emphasizes that work is fundamental to human existence, a way for individuals to participate in God's creation and fulfill their purpose on Earth.
The text discusses the historical conflict between labor and capital, arguing for the priority of labor over capital and asserting that work is for the person, not the other way around. It also examines the rights of workers, including just wages, social benefits, the importance of unions, and the particular challenges faced by agricultural workers, disabled individuals, and immigrants, all within the broad context of human rights and the Church's social teaching.
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Centesimus Annus - On the 100th Anniversary of Rerum Novarum

"Centesimus Annus" by Pope John Paul II commemorates the hundredth anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum". It reflects on the enduring relevance of "Rerum Novarum" concerning the condition of workers and the Church's social teaching, while also analyzing the "new things" of the late 20th century, including the fall of Communism and the challenges of modern capitalism, consumerism, and environmental issues.
The text underscores the importance of human dignity, private property, the role of the State, and the need for justice and solidarity in addressing social and economic problems from a Christian perspective. It highlights that true development is not solely economic but encompasses the full human person.
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Octogesima Aveniens - 80th Anniversary of Rerum Novarum

Pope Paul VI's Apostolic Letter Octogesima Adveniens, issued on the 80th anniversary of the encyclical Rerum Novarum, addresses new social challenges in a rapidly changing world. The Pope discusses issues such as urbanization, the role of youth and women, the rights of workers, and various forms of discrimination.
He calls on Christian communities to analyze their local situations in light of Gospel principles and Church teaching to promote justice and social transformation. The letter also examines the limitations of ideologies like Marxism and liberalism, emphasizing the need for discernment and active participation in political life for the common good.
Ultimately, it encourages Christians to commit to action to build a more just and fraternal society.
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Quadragesimo Anno - On Social Reconstruction (49th Anniversary of Rerum Novarum)

"Quadragesimo Anno" by Pope Pius XI, published in 1931, commemorates forty years since Pope Leo XIII's influential encyclical, "Rerum Novarum," which addressed the condition of workers.
Pius XI revisits the social and economic issues raised by his predecessor, particularly the growing divide between the wealthy and the working class, and examines the impact and reception of Leo XIII's teachings.
The text critiques both individualism and the various forms of socialism, arguing that a just and stable social order requires a Christian reform of morals alongside structural changes that respect both the individual and social nature of ownership and labor.
It emphasizes the Church's right and duty to speak on moral matters related to economics and proposes solutions including fair wages, opportunities for workers to acquire property, and the formation of industry-based associations, while ultimately asserting that social reconstruction depends on a return to Gospel principles and charity.
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Rerum Novarum - Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor

Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII addresses the conflict between capital and labor in a time of significant industrial change. It argues against the socialist idea of abolishing private property, asserting instead that the right to private ownership is a natural human right, essential for individuals and families, and beneficial to society. The document emphasizes the importance of religious and moral principles in resolving social issues and outlines the respective duties of workers and employers, advocating for just wages and conditions. Furthermore, it supports the formation of workers' associations (unions) as a means for working people to improve their circumstances and find mutual aid, while also defining the appropriate role of the State in protecting the common good and ensuring justice for all citizens, particularly the poor. The overall message underscores the Church's role in promoting harmony and charity between social classes based on Christian teachings.
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