Rerum

Novarum
 What is Rerum Novarum?

† Rerum Novarum is a foundational text in the

history of Catholic social thought,
establishing the position of the Church on
issues pertaining to the proper relationship
between capital and labor
† Rerum Novarum provides a vigorous defense
of both private property and the right of
workers to form unions, among other things
† Author: Pope Leo XIII
† Release Date: May 15, 1891
† Examines the situation of poor people
and workers in industrialized countries
† Articulates everyone’s role in working
together to build a just society
 Situation of Workers

† Most workers experience poverty

† There is a decline in public morality
† Greedy employers exploit workers
† Government does not give
attention to the poor
 7 Guiding Principles

† Dignity of the human person

† The common good
† Subsidiary
† Participation
† Solidarity
† The right of private property
† The universal destination of goods
 Role of the Church

† The Church has the right to speak since

social matters affect religion and morality
† Gospel principles help reconcile and unify
classes
† The Church can educate people to act justly
 Role of Government

† Defend and foster the rights of families

† Support both private property and common
good
† Safeguard the rights of workers
† Intervene when necessary to prevent harm to
individuals or common good
† Give special consideration to the poor
† Uphold social and religious rights of people
 The Role of the State

† Laws must be enacted for the

common good and for private
property
† Make men better
† Protect men’s soul
† Labor is personal and necessary
 Role of the Unions or
Associations

† Role of the Unions or Associations

† Protect Private Good
† Protect itself and society
† Betterment of its members
 References
• https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/publicatio
ns/rerum-novarum-the-condition-of-labor
• http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/bla
nari_rerumnovarum_may2011.asp
• http://acatholicreader.com/2012/11/rerum-
novarum-%C2%A726-42-summary/