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Modern Catholic social teaching is the body of social principles and moral teaching that is articulated in the papal, conciliar (council), and other official documents issued since the late nineteenth century and dealing with the economic, political, and social order. This teaching is rooted in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures as well as in traditional philosophical and theological teachings of the Church. The following is a list of the major documents that contribute to the ongoing development of Catholic social teaching. For a more extensive list go to www.justpeace.org/docu.htm
Rerum Novarum (On the Condition of Workers)
This encyclical (papal document) of Leo XIII was issued in 1891 and is considered to be the foundational social justice teaching document of the modern era. It was a response to the plight of workers in the wake of the Industrial Revolution. It calls for the protection of the weak and the poor through the pursuit of justice while excluding socialism and class struggle as legitimate principles of change. It affirms the dignity of work, the right to private property, and the right to form and join professional associations.
Quadragesimo Anno (On the Reconstruction of the Social Order)
Issued in 1931, Pius XI reflects on the response of the Church and the World to Rerum Novarum, 40 years after Leo's document was promulgated (declared official).
Mater et Magistra (Christianity and Social Progress)
Issued by Pope John XXIII in 1961, this encyclical proposes methodologies for the application of Catholic teaching to concrete issues.
Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth)
Issued by Pope John XXIII in 1963, this encyclical reflects on the rights of individuals and draws together two major strands of human rights thought -- the Enlightenment ideals (of which the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights are examples) and the older Catholic tradition of natural law rights.
Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World)
Promulgated by the Second Vatican Council in union with Pope Paul VI, the council continues to build on the foundation of "apostles and prophets" in applying church teachings to the modern world. 1965
Populorum Progressio (On the Development of Peoples)
Encyclical issued in 1967 by Pope Paul VI. It considers the social and economic development of peoples and calls upon rich nations to assist the poor.
Octogesima Adveniens (A Call to Action)
Issued by Pope Paul VI in 1971, the Pope considers the Church in the City on the 80th anniversary of Rerum Novarum.
Justitia in Mundo (Justice in the World)
Issued by the Synod of Bishops in 1971, this document is the source of the phrase, "work for social justice is a constituent element of preaching the Gospel".
Laboren Exercens (On Human Work)
Issued in 1981 by Pope John Paul II, this encyclical reflects on a "theology of work" and "Christ the Worker".
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (On Social Concern)
Issued by Pope John Paul II in 1987, this encyclical has an extensive discussion of solidarity and its role in Catholic teaching. Affirms the continuity of the Church's social doctrine in its links with the Gospel and its constant renewal due to changing conditions and events.
Centesimus Annus (One Hundred Years)
1991 encyclical of Pope John Paul II that reflects on the hundred years of development of Catholic social justice teaching since Rerum Novarum. Contains important teachings on subsidiarity and the utility -- and the limits -- of markets.
Economic Justice for All
1986 pastoral letter of the U.S. bishops on the social teaching of the church.
A Catholic Framework for Economic Life
November 1996 statement of the US bishops summarizing 10 basic premises of the church's social teaching. "The economy exists for the person, not the person for the economy."
Brothers and Sisters to Us
1979 pastoral letter of the US bishops on racism.
The Challenge of Peace
Pastoral letter of the US bishops on war, 1983
Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)
Pope John Paul II, 1995. Expresses the position of the Catholic Church regarding the value and inviolability of human life.
Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason)
Pope John Paul II, 1998. States that faith and reason are not only compatible, but essential together. Faith without reason, leads to superstition. Reason without faith, leads to nihilism and relativism.
Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for the New Millennium
Pastoral letter of the US bishops 1999.
Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 2002
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 2004
Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love)
Pope Benedict XVI, 2005. Reflects on the concepts of eros (possessive, often sexual, love), agape (unconditional, self-sacrificing love), logos (the word), and their relationship with the teachings of Jesus.
Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth)
Pope Benedict XVI, 2009. Concerned with the problems of global development and progress towards the common good of all peoples.
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