Many know that Pope Leo XIV chose his papal name to remind us of his predecessor, Leo XIII (1878-1903). The work of Pope Leo XIII consisted of standing up for workers during the Industrial Revolution. A document that Pope Leo XIII wrote to address this is called Rerum Novarum (1891), in English, “Of New Things.” It refers to the “new” technology and ideas threatening the dignity of work and workers during that time.
Rerum Novarum is considered one of the foundational documents of modern Catholic Social Teaching. It is short, sweet and not bogged down with theological vocabulary. I strongly encourage you all to read it here for FREE! When you do, here are 3 BIG THINGS to look for:
1. Rerum Novarum is balanced
We have a tendency to look at things in a binary way. This is especially tempting in the United States with our “two party system.” The Church has always been bigger than any country or political system. Rerum Novarum reflects this catholicity. While it often decries the dangers of socialism, it also points out the temptation to greed in capitalism.
Leo XIII recognizes that all humans have dignity in work. No political or economic system is exempt from exploiting those humans through work. As opposed to some economic systems that try to divide economic classes, Rerum Novarum calls unites the rich and the poor to work together. This includes recognizing the responsibility of the rich and the preferential option for the poor.
There is recognition of the inherent good of private property, but also the grave consequences of those unwilling to share that property. Like everything in the Catholic Tradition, Rerum Novarum seeks a truly “catholic” approach to the issues of the world and the needs of humanity.
2. Rerum Novarum is accessible
Though this is a letter written by a Pope and technically addressed to other bishops, this is a letter that anyone, Catholic, non-Catholic Christian, and even non-Christian can read and appreciate. While he uses appeals to God and the Bible in many of his points, much of his argument does not rely on simply believing the Bible or accepting his authority as Pope.
One of his strongest points of accessibility is that of “virtue.” Rerum Novarum calls it “the common inheritance of men, equally within the reach of high and low, rich and poor” (paragraph 24). Virtue unites humans and shows their dignity. This concept goes back before the birth of Jesus and can be found outside of the Bible.
When Leo XIII appeals to this, he shows that we should all be united in our protection of human dignity, even if we are not Catholic or Christian.
3. Rerum Novarum is perennial
While it was written in a particular time (1891) and to a specific set of issues (Industrial Revolution and rise of Socialism), the principles Pope Leo XIII lays out can be applied to any time, any place and any set of problems.
Besides the discussion of virtue, which applies to all people of all times, there are also many references to the need for human community and rest. Both of these not only balance one’s human life (see point 1), but are irreplaceable elements of human nature. They are just as true now as they were during the Industrial Revolution and during the time of Jesus.
Even if the challenges appear different on the surface, the “New Things” of today are descendants of what was new in 1891. Despite this, the universals that uphold human nature as made in the image and likeness of God still hold true.
It is an exciting time for Catholics, and now especially for American Catholics, to celebrate our new Pope. We will discover more and more about his personality and unique mission. We should also remind ourselves of the Church’s primary mission to know, love and serve God and others. Leo XIV, like the work Leos past, stand in a long line of this tradition. They show us how to better fulfill this mission for a world in need.