Students, teachers, and all those who seek a better knowledge of the social doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church will find contained within this collection the central statements of the Roman Pontiffs from a range of texts, including papal encyclicals, apostolic letters, and Conciliar documents, on matters relating to politics, economics, and culture.

The selections are arranged thematically according to the significant subject areas of Catholic social doctrine. Under each subject heading, the quotations appear in pedagogical—as opposed to chronological or magisterial—order, with each subject area opening with a quotation that explains the issue at hand.

+ Servant of God François-Xavier Nguyên Cardinal Van Thuân (1928-2002)
 

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Preface

Article One: The Nature of Catholic Social Teaching

Article Two: The Human Person

Article Three: The Family

Article Four: The Social Order

Article Five: The Role of the State

Article Six: The Economy

Article Seven: Work and Wages

Article Eight: Poverty and Charity

Article Nine: The Environment

Article Ten: The International Community

Article Eleven: Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

Abbreviations