One Hundred-plus Years of Catholic Social Teaching

In 1991 the Catholic Church celebrated the 100th birthday of modern Church social teachings. One century ago Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical “The Condition of Labor,’ generally recognized as the first of the modern Church documents on Catholic social teachings.

This Catholic Update recalls our rich heritage of Catholic social teachings. It reviews the statements of popes (from Leo XIII to John Paul II), Vatican II, synods and the conferences of bishops on the urgent issues of human rights, labor problems, economic development, political participation, war and peace. It also includes helpful, practical applications for today.

The Church challenges us to use our gifts and imagination in upholding the dignity of people and tackling the social problems of our day as Catholic citizens. Overberg writes, “The Church speaks out of a profound sense of faith and hope, founded on the good news that a loving God walks with us on the journey.”

Catholic Update Newsletter