RERUM NOVARUM (OF NEW THINGS)

Pope Leo XIII wrote the encyclical Rerum Novarum as the industrial revolution and
political change swept across Europe. The relationship between employers and
employees was changing dramatically. Individuals had become wealthy, but most
remained poor even though they worked hard. Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical spoke of the
condition of the working classes during a time when many advocated revolution.

The Church recognizes that the lack of workers’ unions contributed to an unjust
situation where many work in conditions little better than slavery. One solution
proposed by socialists was to eliminate private property altogether. Pope Leo XIII
dismissed this solution because “every man has by nature the right to possess
property as his own.”[1] He also notes that “the impelling reason and motive of his
work is to obtain property.”[2] Instead of helping the working class, the elimination of
private property would only hurt those it was intended to benefit.

Private ownership “is not only lawful but absolutely necessary.”[3] In addition, the
right to property is essential in maintaining the structure of the family. A worker
ought to be given the opportunity to live sparingly, save money, and invest his
savings for the future.

People have become accustomed to working for their own needs.[4] Working
enables people to earn an honorable livelihood, but using employees as mere
objects is wrong. Workers and the rich are dependent upon each other. The worker
ought to complete the tasks that they freely agree to, never destroy an employer’s
property, never use violence for their cause, never take part in riots or disorder, and
not associate with those who encourage them to act unethically. (As Pope John Paul
II would later emphasize in Laborem Exercens, work ought to be seen as a privileged
expression of human activity. Work, including cultural production, is an example of
human creation in the image of the creator.)

The employer ought to respect the dignity of each employee and shouldn’t view
them as slaves. Workers must also have time for their religious duties and must
receive tasks appropriate for their sex and age. Workers and employers ought to be
free to negotiate and come to an agreement, but natural justice must ensure that
wages are sufficient to support a “frugal and well-behaved wage-earner.”[5] To
ensure these rights and duties are maintained worker’s associations ought to exist to
work towards the common good.
The relationship between worker and employer ought to be shaped by the bonds of
friendship and brotherly love. Both are children of God and created in His image. The
Church desires that the poor better their situation and has a role to speak out on
their behalf and to seek relief of poverty.

Both workers and employers should have their rights protected. Children shouldn’t
be employed for tasks suited for adults, and employers should compensate workers
with just wages. Humanity should remember that Christian morality leads to
prosperity.

It is important to remember that we were not created for this world, but rather for
everlasting life with God. Riches should be viewed as an obstacle for eternal
happiness, and that they do not bring freedom.[6] With this in mind, associations of
workers and employers ought to do what is best for the body, soul, and property of
all involved.

References:

Rerum Novarum (Of New Things). (2015, January 8). California Catholic Conference. Retrieved
February 4, 2024, from https://cacatholic.org/teachings/catholic-social-teaching/rerum-novarum-
new-things/