The Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church

This book presents the social doctrine of the Catholic Church in an orderly and systematic way. It is orderly because it follows the historical line—after a fundamental biblical analysis—from Pope Leo XIII’s famous encyclical, Rerum novarum, to the most recent documents of Pope Francis, without omitting any, and at the same time showing the doctrinal connection that links each new document to its predecessors. On the other hand, it also has the quality of being a systematic book because, from the first chapter, it highlights the ethical line of criteria and principles that have guided and continue to guide the Church’s reflections on social issues over the last 130 years.

The author deserves credit for having succeeded in synthesising 130 years of ecclesial reflection on social issues.

From the Foreword by Pope Leo XIV:
‘What can we learn from the social doctrine of the Catholic Church? I believe that essence of the answer to this question has already been stated. The lesson lies in how we approach social problems. Respecting reality, considering the necessary moral principles in a timely manner, acting without impositions or pretensions of universality, responding to the real problems of today. But now, a question that was not apparent before comes to the fore: Who are the recipients of this social doctrine of the Church? This is a fundamental question because without specific recipients, the Church’s reflection becomes mere library material. On this point, we may find different answers. Some will say that it is addressed to the ecclesiastical hierarchy, to priests, to lay people and their communities, or perhaps to people of good will who participate in social movements or hold public office. The range of recipients may be very broad, but I share the author’s intention to direct the reflection of the recipients may be very broad, but I share the author’s intention to direct the reflection of the Church’s social doctrine to young university students.’

This book presents the social doctrine of the Catholic Church in an orderly and systematic way. It is orderly because it follows the historical line—after a fundamental biblical analysis—from Pope Leo XIII’s famous encyclical, Rerum novarum, to the most recent documents of Pope Francis, without omitting any, and at the same time showing the doctrinal connection that links each new document to its predecessors. On the other hand, it also has the quality of being a systematic book because, from the first chapter, it highlights the ethical line of criteria and principles that have guided and continue to guide the Church’s reflections on social issues over the last 130 years.

The author deserves credit for having succeeded in synthesising 130 years of ecclesial reflection on social issues.

From the Foreword by Pope Leo XIV:
‘What can we learn from the social doctrine of the Catholic Church? I believe that essence of the answer to this question has already been stated. The lesson lies in how we approach social problems. Respecting reality, considering the necessary moral principles in a timely manner, acting without impositions or pretensions of universality, responding to the real problems of today. But now, a question that was not apparent before comes to the fore: Who are the recipients of this social doctrine of the Church? This is a fundamental question because without specific recipients, the Church’s reflection becomes mere library material. On this point, we may find different answers. Some will say that it is addressed to the ecclesiastical hierarchy, to priests, to lay people and their communities, or perhaps to people of good will who participate in social movements or hold public office. The range of recipients may be very broad, but I share the author’s intention to direct the reflection of the recipients may be very broad, but I share the author’s intention to direct the reflection of the Church’s social doctrine to young university students.’

• By (author) John Lydon