Catholic social teaching

Catholic social teaching is a body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church on matters of poverty, wealth, economics, social organization, and the role of the state. Its foundations can be traced to the Bible, and it is articulated through papal encyclicals, conciliar documents, and episcopal letters.

Origins and Development

Catholic social teaching has evolved significantly over centuries, beginning with the writings of the Church Fathers who addressed social issues of their time. The modern era of Catholic social teaching began with the encyclical Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, which addressed the conditions of the working classes and introduced concepts of workers' rights and the responsibilities of capital owners.

Key Themes

1. 1. 1. The Principle of Human Dignity ###

Every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human family.

1. 1. 1. The Common Good ###

In consideration of the common good, decisions must look beyond the individual to the community involved. The rights and needs of all people, especially the poor and vulnerable, must be considered.

1. 1. 1. Solidarity ###

Catholic teaching emphasizes the virtue of solidarity, which is the commitment of all individuals to share one another's burdens and the understanding that we are all truly responsible for all.

1. 1. 1. Subsidiarity ###

This principle holds that higher levels of authority should act only when lower levels cannot deal with issues themselves. It respects the dignity and capability of individuals and smaller communities.

1. 1. 1. Care for God's Creation ###

The Church teaches that we show respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. The environment and all forms of life are valuable and should be protected.

Key Documents

• Rerum Novarum (1891) - Pope Leo XIII
• Quadragesimo Anno (1931) - Pope Pius XI
• Mater et Magistra (1961) - Pope John XXIII
• Pacem in Terris (1963) - Pope John XXIII
• Gaudium et Spes (1965) - Second Vatican Council
• Populorum Progressio (1967) - Pope Paul VI
• Laborem Exercens (1981) - Pope John Paul II
• Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (1987) - Pope John Paul II
• Centesimus Annus (1991) - Pope John Paul II
• Caritas in Veritate (2009) - Pope Benedict XVI
• Laudato si' (2015) - Pope Francis

Impact and Application

Catholic social teaching has influenced the development of social structures within the Church, such as Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services, and has also had a significant impact on national and international policies regarding social justice, economics, and environmental issues.

See also

• Social justice
• Christianity and politics
• Distributism

Further reading

• Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church