Presentation about the encyclicals

1. The 15 Documents of CST
in
Modern Time
Lesson 2
Mr. Samuel Ducay

2. • Context: Industrial Revolution leads to exploiting
workers.
• Message:
⚬ First comprehensive document of social justice.
⚬ Defends workers’ rights based on natural law.
⚬ Rights include work, private property, just wage,
workers’ associations.
Leo XIII, Rerum Novarum, 1891
(Of New Things)

3. • Context: Fortieth anniversary of Rerum Novarum; Great
Depression underway; dictatorships growing in Europe.
• Message:
• States need to reform greedy capitalist systems to which
they have become slaves.
• Communism dangerous because condones
Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno, 1931
(The Fortieth Year)

4. • Labor and capital need each other.
• Workers need just wage to acquire private property.
• International economic cooperation urged.
• Principle of “subsidiarity” introduced.
Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno, 1931
(The Fortieth Year)

5. • Context: Science and technology advance in developed
nations, while millions live in poverty in Third World.
• Message:
• Disparity between rich and poor nations must be
addressed.
• Arms race contributes to poverty.
• Economic imbalances cause threat to peace.
John XXIII, Mater et Magistra, 1961
(Mother and Teacher)

6. • Rich nations must help poor ones while respecting
culture.
• Nations are interdependent and need to cooperate.
• Catholics should know social teaching and be active.
John XXIII, Mater et Magistra, 1961
(Mother and Teacher)

7. • Context: Cold War, erection of Berlin Wall (1961), Cuban
Missile Crisis (1962).
• Message:
• Peace ensured through social rights and responsibilities--
between people; between citizens and public authorities;
between states; among nations.
• World needs to recognize rights of women.
• Arms race goes against justice, reason and human dignity.
• United Nations needs to be strengthened
John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, 1963
(Peace on Earth)

8. • Context: Continuing Cold War and arms race.
• Message:
• Church is not separate from the world, but intimately
intertwined with it.
• Assesses the rapid cultural changes and technological
advances in the light of the Gospel.
• Overall warm and optimistic tone, but reflects pastoral
concern for faith, family, transcendent destiny of man.
Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, 1965
(Church in the Modern World)

9. • Context: World verging on recession. In U.S., see civil rights
and women’s movements, Vietnam war protests.
• Message:
• Urbanization has presented problems, especially the “new
poor” – cities’ elderly, handicapped and marginalized.
• Discrimination continues based on race, color, sex, religion.
• Christians called to engage political process to address
injustices, applying gospel principles.
Paul VI, Octogesima Adveniens, 1971
(The Coming Eightieth Year)

10. • Context: World verging on recession. As the 1960s progressed the hopes of former
colonies for freedom and economic development met many obstacles. Conflicts,
poverty and inequality seemed to be growing.
• Message:
• Paul VI expresses concern at continuing disparities in wealth between
countries despite the process of decolonisation..
• criticises unrestrained liberal economics, calling for an equitable distribution
of the world’s resources.
Paul VI, Populorum Progressio, 1971
(On the Development of People)

11. • Context: Political upheavals of 60’s. Increased focus on
“liberation” especially in Latin America.
• Message:
• Structural injustices and oppression must be met by liberation
rooted in justice. God is “liberator of the oppressed.”
• Church must speak on behalf of the oppressed, be a witness
for justice.
Synod of Bishops, Justitia in Mundo, 1971
(Justice in the World)

12. • Context: Political upheavals of 60’s. Increased focus on
“liberation” especially in Latin America.
• Message:
• Structural injustices and oppression must be met by liberation
rooted in justice. God is “liberator of the oppressed.”
• Church must speak on behalf of the oppressed, be a witness
for justice.
Synod of Bishops, Justitia in Mundo, 1971
(Justice in the World)