Rerum Novarum

(On Capital and Labor)

Pope Leo XIII - May 15, 1891
Social Conditions
Addressed the condition of working classes. It is considered the 1st social encyclical of the
modern period and placed work issues at the center of justice in society. This encyclical
supports the rights of labor to form unions, rejects both socialism and unrestricted capitalism,
while affirming the right to private property. It also affirms workers' right to just wages, rest, and
safe working conditions. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of workers and
the duty of public authorities to protect them from harm.

Summary

It discusses the relationship between labor and capital, as well as the government and its
citizens. The Encyclical reiterates the basic economic principles of Christianity, including the
right of property ownership, tempered by the duty to provide for the common good and to use
that property for the benefit of others, a fair wage, charity towards the poor, and freedom of
association of workers. The letter also emphasizes the importance of moral rule, well-regulated
family life, respect for religion and justice, and the moderation and fair imposing of laws for a
prosperous and thriving state.

Quadragesimo Anno

(After forty years)

Pope Pius XI - May 15, 1931

Social Conditions

Workers' Conditions. He prepared this encyclical to address the moral issues that the end of the
industrial revolution and the start of the Great Depression presented for companies, employees,
the Church, and the state. His Holiness composed Quadragesimo Anno to elaborate on the
Church's response to difficult economic times, to promote Christian virtues, and to address the
emergence of socialism as an economic system.

Summary

In Quadragesimo Anno, Pope Pius XI first introduced the concept of subsidiary. According to
this theory, the Government should only perform duties that can best be carried out by
individuals, and should do so at the smallest or most local level possible. Jun 3, 2021. He
explains the main threats to human freedom and dignity posed by uncontrolled capitalism,
socialism, and communism as they are currently practiced in Russia. Additionally, he urges the
reconstruction of the social structure on the foundation of the values of solidarity and
subsidiarity.
 Mater et Magistra
(On Christianity and Social Progress)
Pope John XXIII - May 15, 1961
Social Conditions
The encyclical explores the role of the Church in promoting social progress and justice in the
world. It highlights the inhumane working conditions of women and children and the constant
specter of unemployment. The encyclical emphasizes the necessity of working towards an
authentic community to promote human dignity and the state's role in intervening in matters of
healthcare, education, and housing. It also emphasizes the importance of social living
conditions that enable people to achieve their own perfection.

Summary

The title means "mother and teacher," referring to the role of the church. The encyclical explores
the role of the Church in achieving social progress and justice in the world. It emphasizes the
importance of authentic community to promote human dignity and teaches that individual human
beings are the foundation, cause, and end of every social institution. It also calls for a greater
awareness of the need for all peoples to live as one community with a common good. The
encyclical suggests that the state must sometimes intervene in matters of health care,
education, and housing.

Pacem in Terris
(Peace on Earth)
Pope John XXIII - April 11, 1963

Social Conditions

Pacem in Terris is a papal encyclical issued by Pope John XXIII in 1963 that emphasizes human
dignity, equality, and the importance of peace based on truth and justice. It endorses women's
rights, nuclear nonproliferation, and the United Nations. The encyclical also discusses the rights
of individuals and states, as well as proper interstate relations.

Summary

The encyclical states that each person has the right to life and the means necessary to live their
life, and that all of humanity has a natural right to be respected and to worship God. It also
emphasizes a natural law methodology based on human nature and conscience. The encyclical
emphasizes that peace between all peoples must be based on truth, justice, and the common
good.