Rerum Novarum is identified as the origin of modern Catholic social teaching.

The new things introduced

are the social changes of the time arising from accelerated industrialization and the acknowledgments from
capitalism and Marxism.

According to St. Thomas Aquinas, "for a man to hold private property is also necessary for the carrying on of
human existence." Hence, private ownership is the natural liberty of man, and to practice that right,
especially as part of society, is lawful and essential.

Socialist clarifications are unfair. It shows the impelling reason and purpose of a man's attempt to seize
property when he joins in profitable labor. They not only steal the legal owner, but they also twist the state's
activities and cause extensive confusion in the population.

Catholic social teaching helps identify exactly why involuntary poverty is. It shows how poverty distorts and
damages the whole of human society. And it helps describe the principles upon which people could help
society rebuild and alleviate poverty and build human dignity. Follow Christ in giving and offer help to
others. You will not change the world, but you can help make a difference.

The employer should not view their employers or workers as slaves. He should acknowledge and give
importance to the dignity of each worker.

Christ commands all men to serve those in need. The statement covers the less fortunate. And it does not
stipulate how to serve, except to say that we help those in need. A job allows the less fortunate to serve
those in need and the wealthy to help the poor through wages. Capitalism is one way to help freely.

Pope Leo XIII supports individuals' right to hold private property and remarks on the state's role in promoting
distributive justice so that workers can sufficiently support their families and someday own property of their
own. He perceives the poor "have a claim to special consideration."