Pope Leo: Rerum Novarum and Catholic Social Teaching on the 134th anniversary
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May 15, 2025
The discussion highlights Pope Leo XIII's influential role in shaping modern Catholic social teaching during a time of social upheaval. The evolving relationship between the Church and state is examined, revealing tensions between Christian values and secular ideologies. Delving into the historical context of Rerum Novarum, the podcast critiques radical responses to poverty and emphasizes understanding power dynamics. Lastly, it tackles the challenges posed by consumerism and technology, advocating for a more adaptable approach to social teaching.
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Church's Nationalization Post-Trent
The long period without councils after the 1500s was due to bishops being politicized, answering primarily to monarchs rather than the universal church.
This nationalization of the church prevented universal councils, reflecting both papal weakness and Christianity's deep social power at the time.
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Vatican I: Tragedy and Opportunity
Vatican I marked a shift as governments recognized Christianity's diminished social power, allowing papal primacy and infallibility declarations.
This shift was a tragic loss for political influence but opened space for the church to regroup as a missionary entity rather than a political power.
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Papal Infallibility Enables Openness
Defining papal infallibility ironically frees the pope to speak openly while clarifying limits of that authority.
This distinction enables a vibrant tradition of papal encyclicals engaging publicly without constant infallibility pressure.
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Populorum Progressio, issued by Pope Paul VI in 1967, emphasizes the Church's concern for the development of peoples, particularly those struggling with poverty and inequality. It highlights principles of Catholic social teaching, such as fair wages and employment rights, and calls for global cooperation to address these issues.
On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin
Published on November 24, 1859, 'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin is a seminal work in scientific literature. The book presents a comprehensive theory of evolution, arguing that species evolve over generations through the process of natural selection. Darwin supported his theory with evidence collected during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, as well as from subsequent research, correspondence, and experimentation. The book addresses the struggle for existence, the variability of species, and the principle of divergence, explaining how natural selection leads to the adaptation and diversification of life on Earth. It has been a cornerstone of evolutionary biology and has had significant impacts on both scientific and public discourse[2][4][5].
Rerum novarum
Leo XIII Pope
Joseph Kirwan
Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum" is a landmark document in Catholic social teaching. Issued in 1891, it addressed the social and economic problems arising from the Industrial Revolution, particularly the plight of workers. The encyclical condemned both laissez-faire capitalism and socialism, advocating for a more just and humane economic system. It affirmed the dignity of labor, the right of workers to form unions, and the role of the state in protecting workers' rights. Rerum Novarum established key principles of Catholic social thought, including the importance of subsidiarity, the common good, and the dignity of the human person. It remains a foundational text for Catholic social teaching and continues to inspire efforts to promote social justice and economic fairness.
In honor of the new Pope Leo XIV, and in celebration of the 134th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, Alex Denley and Andrew Willard Jones discuss the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII and the birth of modern Catholic Social Teaching.
New Polity 
