Catholc Social Teaching
Part 1: Texts of the Social Encyclicals
Leo XIII.
Encyclical Rerum Novarum. On the Condition of Workers. Acta Sanctae Sedis 23 (15
May 1891): 641-70.
Foundational document; response to the rapid changes of the Industrial Revolution and plight of workers. Translations [See Part 3 for sources]: O'Brien. Carlen. Walsh.
Pius XI.
Encyclical Quadragesimo Anno. On the Reconstruction of the Social Order. Acta
Apostolicae Sedis 23 (15 May 1931): 177-228.
Reflection on Rerum Novarum after forty years and in the shadow of the Great Depression. Translations [See Part 3]: O'Brien. Carlen. Walsh. National Welfare Conference, 1931 [BX809.C2 .A2 .P6].
John XXIII.
Encyclical Mater Et Magistra.
Christianity and Social Progress. Acta
Apostolicae Sedis 53 (15 Mar. 1961): 401-64.
Applies teachings of predecessors to modern issues, including national disparities, the arms race, plight of farmers, etc. Translations [See Part 3]: Carlen. Walsh. Pope Speaks 7: 295. Paulist Press, 1961 [HN37.C3 J6A] .
---. Encyclical Pacem in Terris. Peace on Earth. Acta postolicae Sedis 55 (11 Apr. 1963): 257-304.
Affirms social rights and responsibilities, drawing together natural law tradition and human rights advocacy.
Translations [See Part 3]: O'Brien. Carlen. Walsh. Pope Speaks 9: 13. Paulist Press, 1963 [BX961.P4 J6].
Paul VI.
Encyclical Populorum Progressio. On the Development of Peoples. Acta Apostolicae
Sedis 59 (26 Mar. 1967): 257-99.
Calls upon rich nations to assist poor in social and economic development, emphasizing solidarity.
Translations [See Part 3]: Carlen. Walsh. Pope Speaks 12: 144. USCC, 1967 [HN37.C3 A37].
John Paul II.
Encyclical Laborem Exercens. On Human Work. Acta Apostolicae Sedis 73 (5
Nov. 1981): 577-647.
On the theology and spirituality of work as well as social needs of working people and employer obligations.
Translations [See Part 3]: O'Brien. Miller. Walsh. Origins 11:225. USCC, 1981 [HD6338.C272].
---. Encyclical Solicitudo Rei Socialis. On Social Concern. Acta Apostolicae Sedis 80 (25 July
1988): 513-86.
Translations [See Part 3]: O'Brien. Miller. Walsh. Origins 17: 641. USCC, 1988. [HN37.C3A35 1988].
---. Encyclical Centesimus Annus. One Hundred Years. Acta Apostolicae Sedis 83 (1 May 1991):
793-867.
On the 100th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, reflecting on Catholic social teaching. With demise of Communism, discusses current situation, markets and human person.
Translations [See Part 3]: O'Brien. Miller. Walsh. Origins 21:1. USCC, 1991 [BX1753.C38 1991].
