Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
This truth, which in a sense constitutes the It is precisely these fundamental affirmations about
fundamental and perennial heart of Christian work that always emerged from the wealth of
teaching on human work, has had and continues to Christian truth, especially from the very message of
have primary significance for the formulation of the the "Gospel of work", thus creating the basis for a
important social problems characterizing whole new way of thinking, judging and acting. In the
ages. modern period, from the beginning of the industrial
age, the Christian truth about work had to oppose
The ancient world introduced its own typical the various trends of materialistic and
differentiation of people into dasses according to economistic thought.
the type of work done. Work which demanded from
the worker the exercise of physical strength, the For certain supporters of such ideas, work was
work of muscles and hands, was considered understood and treated as a sort of "merchandise"
unworthy of free men, and was therefore given to that the worker-especially the industrial worker-
slaves. By broadening certain aspects that already sells to the employer, who at the same time is the
belonged to the Old Testament, Christianity possessor of the capital, that is to say, of all the
brought about a fundamental change of ideas in working tools and means that make production
this field, taking the whole content of the Gospel possible. This way of looking at work was
message as its point of departure, especially the widespread especially in the first half of the
fact that the one who, while being God, became nineteenth century. Since then, explicit expressions
like us in all things11 devoted most of the years of of this sort have almost disappeared, and have
his life on earth to manual work at the carpenter's given way to more human ways of thinking about
bench. This circumstance constitutes in itself the work and evaluating it. The interaction between the
most eloquent "Gospel of work", showing that the worker and the tools and means of production has
basis for determining the value of human work is given rise to the development of various forms of
not primarily the kind of work being done but the capitalism - parallel with various forms of
collectivism - into which other socioeconomic 8. Worker Solidarity
elements have entered as a consequence of new
concrete circumstances, of the activity of workers' When dealing with human work in the fundamental
associations and public autorities, and of the dimension of its subject, that is to say, the human
emergence of large transnational enterprises. person doing the work, one must make at least a
Nevertheless, the danger of treating work as a summary evaluation of developments during the
special kind of "merchandise", or as an impersonal ninety years since Rerum Novarum in relation to
"force" needed for production (the expression the subjective dimension of work. Although the
"workforce" is in fact in common use) always subject of work is always the same, that is to say
exists, especially when the whole way of looking at man, nevertheless wide-ranging changes take place
the question of economics is marked by the in the objective aspect. While one can say that, by
premises of materialistic economism. reason of its subject, work is one single thing (one
and unrepeatable every time), yet when one takes
A systematic opportunity for thinking and into consideration its objective directions one is
evaluating in this way, and in a certain sense a forced to admit that there exist many works, many
stimulus for doing so, is provided by the quickening different sorts of work. The development of human
process of the development of a onesidedly civilization brings continual enrichment in this field.
materialistic civilization, which gives prime But at the same time, one cannot fail to note that
importance to the objective dimension of work, in the process of this development not only do new
while the subjective dimension-everything in direct forms of work appear but also others disappear.
or indirect relationship with the subject of work- Even if one accepts that on the whole this is a
remains on a secondary level. In all cases of this normal phenomenon, it must still be seen whether
sort, in every social situation of this type, there is a certain ethically and socially dangerous
confusion or even a reversal of the order laid down irregularities creep in, and to what extent.
from the beginning by the words of the Book of
Genesis: man is treated as an instrument of It was precisely one such wide-ranging
production12, whereas he-he alone, independently anomaly that gave rise in the last century to what
of the work he does-ought to be treated as the has been called "the worker question", sometimes
effective subject of work and its true maker and described as "the proletariat question" . This
creator. Precisely this reversal of order, whatever question and the problems connected with it gave
the programme or name under which it occurs, rise to a just social reaction and caused the
should rightly be called "capitalism"-in the sense impetuous emergence of a great burst of solidarity
more fully explained below. Everybody knows that between workers, first and foremost industrial
capitalism has a definite historical meaning as a workers. The call to solidarity and common action
system, an economic and social system, opposed to addressed to the workers-especially to those
"socialism" or "communism". But in the light of the engaged in narrowly specialized, monotonous and
analysis of the fundamental reality of the whole depersonalized work in industrial plants, when the
economic process-first and foremost of the machine tends to dominate man - was important
production structure that work is-it should be and eloquent from the point of view of social
recognized that the error of early capitalism can be ethics. It was the reaction against the degradation
repeated wherever man is in a way treated on the of man as the subject of work, and against the
same level as the whole complex of the material unheard-of accompanying exploitation in the field
means of production, as an instrument and not in of wages, working conditions and social security for
accordance with the true dignity of his work-that is the worker. This reaction united the working world
to say, where he is not treated as subject and in a community marked by great solidarity.
maker, and for this very reason as the true purpose
of the whole process of production. Following tlle lines laid dawn by the
Encyclical Rerum Novarum and many later
This explains why the analysis of human work in documents of the Church's Magisterium, it must be
the light of the words concerning man's "dominion" frankly recognized that the reaction against the
over the earth goes to the very heart of the ethical system of injustice and harm that cried to heaven
and social question. This concept should also find a for vengeance13 and that weighed heavily upon
central place in the whole sphere of social and workers in that period of rapid industrialization was
economic policy, both within individual countries justified from the point of view of social
and in the wider field of international and morality. This state of affairs was favoured by the
intercontinental relationships, particularly with liberal socio-political system, which, in accordance
reference to the tensions making themselves felt in with its "economistic" premises, strengthened and
the world not only between East and West but also safeguarded economic initiative by the possessors
between North and South. Both John XXIII in the of capital alone, but did not pay sufficient attention
Encyclical Mater et Magistra and Paul VI in the to the rights of the workers, on the grounds that
Encyclical Populorum Progressio gave special human work is solely an instrument of production,
attention to these dimensions of the modern ethical and that capital is the basis, efficient factor and
and social question. purpose of production.
From that time, worker solidarity, together with a degrading of the subject of work, by exploitation of
clearer and more committed realization by others the workers, and by the growing areas of poverty
of workers' rights, has in many cases brought and even hunger. The Church is firmly committed
about profound changes. Various forms of neo- to this cause, for she considers it her mission, her
capitalism or collectivism have developed. Various service, a proof of her fidelity to Christ, so that she
new systems have been thought out. Workers can can truly be the "Church of the poor". And the
often share in running businesses and in controlling "poor" appear under various forms; they appear in
their productivity, and in fact do so. Through various places and at various times; in many cases
appropriate associations, they exercise influence they appear as a result of the violation of the
over conditions of work and pay, and also over dignity of human work: either because the
social legislation. But at the same time various opportunities for human work are limited as a
ideological or power systems, and new result of the scourge of unemployment, or because
relationships which have arisen at various levels of a low value is put on work and the rights that flow
society, have allowed flagrant injustices to persist from it, especially the right to a just wage and to
or have created new ones. On the world level, the the personal security of the worker and his or her
development of civilization and of communications family.
has made possible a more complete diagnosis of
the living and working conditions of man globally, 9. Work and Personal Dignity
but it has also revealed other forms of injustice,
much more extensive than those which in the last Remaining within the context of man as the subject
century stimulated unity between workers for of work, it is now appropriate to touch upon, at
particular solidarity in the working world. This is least in a summary way, certain problems
true in countries which have completed a certain that more closely define the dignity of human
process of industrial revolution. It is also true in work, in that they make it possible to characterize
countries where the main working milieu continues more fully its specific moral value. In doing this we
to be agriculture or other similar occupations. must always keep in mind the biblical calling to
"subdue the earth"14, in which is expressed the will
Movements of solidarity in the sphere of work-a of the Creator that work should enable man to
solidarity that must never mean being closed to achieve that "dominion" in the visible world that is
dialogue and collaboration with others- can be proper to him.
necessary also with reference to the condition of
social groups that were not previously included in God's fundamental and original intention with
such movements but which, in changing social regard to man, whom he created in his image and
systems and conditions of living, are after his likeness15, was not withdrawn or cancelled
undergoing what is in effect "proletarianization" or out even when man, having broken the original
which actually already find themselves in a covenant with God, heard the words: "In the sweat
"proletariat" situation, one which, even if not yet of your face you shall eat bread"16. These words
given that name, in fact deserves it. This can be refer to the sometimes heavy toil that from then
true of certain categories or groups of the working onwards has accompanied human work; but they
" intelligentsia", especially when ever wider access do not alter the fact that work is the means
to education and an ever increasing number of whereby man achieves that "dominion" which is
people with degrees or diplomas in the fields of proper to him over the visible world, by
their cultural preparation are accompanied by a "subjecting" the earth. Toil is something that is
drop in demand for their labour. universally known, for it is universally experienced.
This unemployment of intellectuals occurs or It is familiar to those doing physical work under
increases when the education available is not sometimes exceptionally laborious conditions. It is
oriented towards the types of employment or familiar not only to agricultural workers, who spend
service required by the true needs of society, or long days working the land, which sometimes
when there is less demand for work which requires "bears thorns and thistles"17, but also to those who
education, at least professional education, than for work in mines and quarries, to steel-workers at
manual labour, or when it is less well paid. Of their blast-furnaces, to those who work in builders'
course, education in itself is always valuable and an yards and in construction work, often in danger of
important enrichment of the human person; but in injury or death. It is likewise familiar to those at an
spite of that, "proletarianization" processes remain intellectual workbench; to scientists; to those who
possible. bear the burden of grave responsibility for
decisions that will have a vast impact on society. It
For this reason, there must be continued study of is familiar to doctors and nurses, who spend days
the subject of work and of the subject's living and nights at their patients' bedside. It is familiar
conditions. In order to achieve social justice in the to women, who, sometimes without proper
various parts of the world, in the various countries, recognition on the part of society and even of their
and in the relationships between them, there is a own families, bear the daily burden and
need for ever new movements of solidarity of the responsibility for their homes and the upbringing of
workers and with the workers. This solidarity must their children. It is familiar to all workers and, since
be present whenever it is called for by the social work is a universal calling, it is familiar to everyone.
And yet, in spite of all this toil-perhaps, in a sense, Obviously, two aspects of work in a sense come
because of it-work is a good thing for man. Even into play here: the one making family life and its
though it bears the mark of a bonum arduum, in upkeep possible, and the other making possible the
the terminology of Saint Thomas18, this does not achievement of the purposes of the family,
take away the fact that, as such, it is a good thing especially education. Nevertheless, these two
for man. It is not only good in the sense that it is aspects of work are linked to one another and are
useful or something to enjoy; it is also good as mutually complementary in various points.
being something worthy, that is to say, something
that corresponds to man's dignity, that expresses It must be remembered and affirmed that the
this dignity and increases it. If one wishes to define family constitutes one of the most important terms
more clearly the ethical meaning of work, it is this of reference for shaping the social and ethical order
truth that one must particularly keep in mind. Work of human work. The teaching of the Church has
is a good thing for man-a good thing for his always devoted special attention to this question,
humanity-because through work man not only and in the present document we shall have to
transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, return to it. In fact, the family is simultaneously
but he also achieves fulfilment as a human being a community made possible by work and the
and indeed, in a sense, becomes "more a human first school of work, within the home, for every
being". person.
Without this consideration it is impossible to The third sphere of values that emerges from this
understand the meaning of the virtue of point of view-that of the subject of work-concerns
industriousness, and more particularly it is the great society to which man belongs on the
impossible to understand why industriousness basis of particular cultural and historical links. This
should be a virtue: for virtue, as a moral habit, is society-even when it has not yet taken on the
something whereby man becomes good as man19. mature form of a nation-is not only the great
This fact in no way alters our justifiable anxiety "educator" of every man, even though an indirect
that in work, whereby matter gains in nobility, one (because each individual absorbs within the
man himself should not experience a lowering of family the contents and values that go to make up
his own dignity20. Again, it is well known that it is the culture of a given nation); it is also a great
possible to use work in various ways against historical and social incarnation of the work of all
man, that it is possible to punish man with the generations. All of this brings it about that man
system of forced labour in concentration camps, combines his deepest human identity with
that work can be made into a means for oppressing membership of a nation, and intends his work also
man, and that in various ways it is possible to to increase the common good developed together
exploit human labour, that is to say the worker. All with his compatriots, thus realizing that in this way
this pleads in favour of the moral obligation to link work serves to add to the heritage of the whole
industriousness as a virtue with the social order of human family, of all the people living in the world.
work, which will enable man to become, in work,
"more a human being" and not be degraded by it These three spheres are always important for
not only because of the wearing out of his physical human work in its subjective dimension. And this
strength (which, at least up to a certain point, is dimension, that is to say, the concrete reality of the
inevitable), but especially through damage to the worker, takes precedence over the objective
dignity and subjectivity that are proper to him. dimension. In the subjective dimension there is
realized, first of all, that "dominion" over the world
10. Work and Society: Family and Nation of nature to which man is called from the beginning
according to the words of the Book of Genesis. The
Having thus conflrmed the personal dimension of very process of "subduing the earth", that is to say
human work, we must go on to the second sphere work, is marked in the course of history, and
of values which is necessarily linked to work. Work especially in recent centuries, by an immense
constitutes a foundation for the formation of family development of technological means. This is an
life, which is a natural right and something that advantageous and positive phenomenon, on
man is called to. These two spheres of values-one condition that the objective dimension of work does
linked to work and the other consequent on the not gain the upper hand over the subjective
family nature of human life-must be properly united dimension, depriving man of his dignity and
and must properly permeate each other. In a way, inalienable rights or reducing them.
work is a condition for making it possible to found
a family, since the family requires the means of III. CONFLICT BETWEEN LABOUR AND
subsistence which man normally gains through CAPITAL IN THE PRESENT PHASE OF
work. Work and industriousness also influence the HISTORY
whole process of education in the family, for the
very reason that everyone "becomes a human
being" through, among other things, work, and
becoming a human being is precisely the main 11. Dimensions of the Conflict
purpose of the whole process of education.
The sketch of the basic problems of work outlined safeguards regarding the health and living
above draws inspiration from the texts at the conditions of the workers and their families.
beginning of the Bible and in a sense forms the
very framework of the Church's teaching, which This conflict, interpreted by some as a
has remained unchanged throughout the centuries socioeconomic class conflict, found expression in
within the context of different historical the ideological conflict between liberalism,
experiences. However, the experiences preceding understood as the ideology of capitalism, and
and following the publication of the Marxism, understood as the ideology of scientiflc
Encyclical Rerum Novarum form a background that socialism and communism, which professes to act
endows that teaching with particular as the spokesman for the working class and the
expressiveness and the eloquence of living worldwide proletariat. Thus the real conflict
relevance. In this analysis, work is seen as a great between labour and capital was transformed into a
reality with a fundamental influence on the shaping systematic class struggle, conducted not only by
in a human way of the world that the Creator has ideological means but also and chiefly by political
entrusted to man; it is a reality closely linked with means. We are familiar with the history of this
man as the subject of work and with man's rational conflict and with the demands of both sides. The
activity. In the normal course of events this reality Marxist programme, based on the philosophy of
fills human life and strongly affects its value and Marx and Engels, sees in class struggle the only
meaning. Even when it is accompanied by toil and way to eliminate class injustices in society and to
effort, work is still something good, and so man eliminate the classes themselves. Putting this
develops through love for work. This programme into practice presupposes the
entirely positive and creative, educational and collectivization of the means of production so
meritorious character of man's work must be the that,through the transfer of these means from
basis for the judgments and decisions being made private hands to the collectivity, human labour will
today in its regard in spheres that include human be preserved from exploitation.
rights, as is evidenced by the
international declarations on work and the This is the goal of the struggle carried on by
many labour codes prepared either by the political as well as ideological means. In accordance
competent legislative institutions in the various with the principle of "the dictatorship of the
countries or by organizations devoting their social, proletariat", the groups that as political parties
or scientific and social, activity to the problems of follow the guidance of Marxist ideology aim by the
work. One organization fostering such initiatives on use of various kinds of influence, including
the international level is the International Labour revolutionary pressure, to win a monopoly of power
Organization, the oldest specialized agency of the in each society, in order to introduce the collectivist
United Nations Organization. system into it by eliminating private ownership of
the means of production. According to the principal
In the following part of these considerations I ideologists and leaders of this broad international
intend to return in greater detail to these important movement, the purpose of this programme of
questions, recalling at least the basic elements of action is to achieve the social revolution and to
the Church's teaching on the matter. I must introduce socialism and, finally, the communist
however first touch on a very important field of system throughout the world.
questions in which her teaching has taken shape in
this latest period, the one marked and in a sense As we touch on this extremely important field of
symbolized by the publication of the issues, which constitute not only a theory but a
Encyclical Rerum Novarum. whole fabric of socioeconomic, political, and
international life in our age, we cannot go into the
Throughout this period, which is by no means yet details, nor is this necessary, for they are known
over, the issue of work has of course been posed both from the vast literature on the subject and by
on the basis of the great conflict that in the age of, experience. Instead, we must leave the context of
and together with, industrial development these issues and go back to the fundamental issue
emerged between "capital" and "labour", that is to of human work, which is the main subject of the
say between the small but highly influential group considerations in this document. It is clear, indeed,
of entrepreneurs, owners or holders of the means that this issue, which is of such importance for
of production, and the broader multitude of people man-it constitutes one of the fundamental
who lacked these means and who shared in the dimensions of his earthly existence and of his
process of production solely by their labour. The vocation-can also be explained only by taking into
conflict originated in the fact that the workers put account the full context of the contemporary
their powers at the disposal of the entrepreneurs, situation.
and these, following the principle of maximum
profit, tried to establish the lowest possible wages 12. The Priority of Labour
for the work done by the employees. In addition
there were other elements of exploitation, The structure of the present-day situation is deeply
connected with the lack of safety at work and of marked by many conflicts caused by man, and the
technological means produced by human work play
a primary role in it. We should also consider here resources placed at man's disposal but also the
the prospect of worldwide catastrophe in the case whole collection of means by which man
of a nuclear war, which would have almost appropriates natural resources and transforms
unimaginable possibilities of destruction. In view of them in accordance with his needs (and thus in a
this situation we must first of all recall a principle sense humanizes them), it must immediately be
that has always been taught by the Church: the noted that all these means are the result of the
principle ot the priority of labour over capital. This historical heritage of human labour. All the means
principle directly concerns the process of of production, from the most primitive to the
production: in this process labour is always a ultramodern ones-it is man that has gradually
primary efficient cause, while capital, the whole developed them: man's experience and intellect. In
collection of means of production, remains a this way there have appeared not only the simplest
mere instrument or instrumental cause. This instruments for cultivating the earth but also,
principle is an evident truth that emerges from the through adequate progress in science and
whole of man's historical experience. technology, the more modern and complex ones:
machines, factories, laboratories, and computers.
When we read in the first chapter of the Bible that Thus everything that is at the service of
man is to subdue the earth, we know that these work, everything that in the present state of
words refer to all the resources contained in the technology constitutes its ever more highly
visible world and placed at man's disposal. perfected "instrument", is the result of work.
However, these resources can serve man only
through work. From the beginning there is also This gigantic and powerful instrument-the whole
linked with work the question of ownership, for the collection of means of production that in a sense
only means that man has for causing the resources are considered synonymous with "capital"- is the
hidden in nature to serve himself and others is his result of work and bears the signs of human
work. And to be able through his work to make labour. At the present stage of technological
these resources bear fruit, man takes over advance, when man, who is the subjectof work,
ownership of small parts of the various riches of wishes to make use of this collection of modern
nature: those beneath the ground, those in the instruments, the means of production, he must first
sea, on land, or in space. He takes all these things assimilate cognitively the result of the work of the
over by making them his workbench. He takes people who invented those instruments, who
them over through work and for work. planned them, built them and perfected them, and
who continue to do so. Capacity for work-that is to
The same principle applies in the successive phases say, for sharing efficiently in the modern
of this process, in which the first phase always production process-demands greater and
remains the relationship of man with the resources greater preparation and, before all else,
and riches of nature. The whole of the effort to proper training. Obviously, it remains clear that
acquire knowledge with the aim of discovering every human being sharing in the production
these riches and specifying the various ways in process, even if he or she is only doing the kind of
which they can be used by man and for man work for which no special training or qualifications
teaches us that everything that comes from man are required, is the real efficient subject in this
throughout the whole process of economic production process, while the whole collection of
production, whether labour or the whole collection instruments, no matter how perfect they may be in
of means of production and the technology themselves, are only a mere instrument
connected with these means (meaning the subordinate to human labour.
capability to use them in work), presupposes these
riches and resources of the visible world, riches and This truth, which is part of the abiding heritage of
resources that man finds and does not create. In a the Church's teaching, must always be emphasized
sense man finds them already prepared, ready for with reference to the question of the labour system
him to discover them and to use them correctly in and with regard to the whole socioeconomic
the productive process. In every phase of the system. We must emphasize and give prominence
development of his work man comes up against the to the primacy of man in the production
leading role of the gift made by "nature", that is to process, the primacy of man over
say, in the final analysis, by the Creator At the things. Everything contained in the concept of
beginning of man's work is the mystery of creation. capital in the strict sense is only a collection of
This affirmation, already indicated as my starting things. Man, as the subject of work, and
point, is the guiding thread of this document, and independently of the work that he does-man alone
will be further developed in the last part of these is a person. This truth has important and decisive
reflections. consequences.
JOHN PAUL II
Laborem
Genesis: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and
subdue it."
In it he develops the concept of man's dignity in work, Although technology fosters an increase in the things
structuring it in four points: the subordination of work to produced by work, sometimes it "can cease to be man's
man; the primacy of the worker over the whole of ally and become almost his enemy, as when the
instruments and conditioning that historically constitute mechanization of work 'supplants' him, taking away all
the world of labor; the rights of the human person as personal satisfaction and the incentive to creativity and
the determining factor of all socio-economic, responsibility, when it deprives many workers of their
technological and productive processes, that must be previous employment, or when, through exalting the
recognized; and some elements that can help all men machine, it reduces man to the status of its slave."
identify with Christ through their own work.
The Holy Father recalls that "in order to achieve social
The Encyclical has an introduction and four chapters: justice in the various parts of the world, in the various
"Work and Man," "Conflict Between Labor and Capital in countries, and in the relationships between them, there
the Present Phase of History," "Rights of Workers," and is a need for ever new movements of solidarity of the
"Elements for a Spirituality of Work." workers and with the workers."
I. INTRODUCTION. "Work is a good thing for man - a good thing for his
humanity - because through work man not only
transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he
"I wish to devote this document," writes the Pope, "to also achieves fulfillment as a human being and indeed,
human work and, even more, to man in the vast context in a sense, becomes 'more a human being'."
of the reality of work. ... Work is one of these aspects, a
perennial and fundamental one, one that is always
relevant and constantly demands renewed attention and III. CONFLICT
decisive witness."
BETWEEN LABOR AND
It is not for the Church to analyze the repercussions that
changes in the world of labor may have on human CAPITAL IN THE
coexistence. "But the Church considers it her task
always to call attention to the dignity and rights of those PRESENT PHASE OF
who work, to condemn situations in which that dignity
and those rights are violated, and to help to guide the HISTORY.
above-mentioned changes so as to ensure authentic
progress by man and society." The Pope observes that during the period which has
passed since the publication of "Rerum Novarum"
"Human work is a key, probably the essential key, to the (1891), "which is by no means yet over, the issue of
whole social question, if we try to see that question work has of course been posed on the basis of the great
really from the point of view of man's good. And if the conflict that in the age of, and together with, industrial
solution - or rather the gradual solution - of the social development emerged between 'capital' and 'labor'."
question, which keeps coming up and becomes ever
more complex, must be sought in the direction of This antagonism "found expression in the ideological
'making life more human', then the key, namely human conflict between liberalism, understood as the ideology
work, acquires fundamental and decisive importance." of capitalism, and Marxism, understood as the ideology
of scientific socialism and communism, which professes
II. WORK AND MAN. to act as the spokesman for the working class and the
world-wide proletariat."
John Paul II underlines the Church's conviction that Later, he recalls the principle of "the priority of labor
"work is a fundamental dimension of man's existence on over capital." The first "is always a primary efficient
earth." This conviction is found in the first pages of cause, while capital, the whole collection of means of
production, remains a mere instrument or instrumental respect for their family aspirations and for their specific
cause." Thus appears the error of economism, "that of role in contributing, together with men, to the good of
considering human labor solely according to its society."
economic purpose."
Besides wages, there are other social benefits whose
John Paul II then refers to the right to private property, objective is "to ensure the life and health of workers and
emphasizing that the Church's teaching regarding this their families." In this regard, he notes the right to
principle "diverges radically from the program of leisure time, which should include weekly rest and yearly
collectivism as proclaimed by Marxism," and "the vacations.
program of capitalism practiced by liberalism and by the
political systems inspired by it." The Pope then considers the importance of unions,
which he calls "an indispensable element of social life."
"The position of 'rigid' capitalism continues to remain "One method used by unions in pursuing the just rights
unacceptable, namely the position that defends the of their members is the strike or work stoppage. This
exclusive right to private ownership of the means of method is recognized by Catholic social teaching as
production as an untouchable 'dogma' of economic life. legitimate in the proper conditions and within just
The principle of respect for work demands that this right limits," but must not be abused.
should undergo a constructive revision, both in theory
and in practice." For this reason, regardless of the type As for the question of emigration for work reasons, he
of system of production, it is necessary for each worker affirms that man has the right to leave his country to
to be aware that "he is working 'for himself'." seek better living conditions in another. "The most
important thing is that the person working away from
his native land, whether as a permanent emigrant or as
IV. RIGHTS OF a seasonal worker, should not be placed at a
disadvantage in comparison with the other workers in
WORKERS. that society in the matter of working rights."
Speaking of the rights of workers, he recalls the dignity "By enduring the toil of work in union with Christ
of agricultural work and the need to offer jobs to crucified for us, man in a way collaborates with the Son
disabled people. As for the matter of salaries, he writes of God for the redemption of humanity. He shows
that "the key problem of social ethics in this case is that himself a true disciple of Christ by carrying the cross in
of just remuneration for work done." his turn every day in the activity that he is called upon
to perform."
In addition, "there must be a social re-evaluation of the
mother's role." Specifically, "the whole labor process At the very end, the Holy Father notes that he prepared
must be organized and adapted in such a way as to this document for publication on May 15, the date of the
respect the requirements of the person and his or her 90th anniversary of "Rerum Novarum," but that due to
forms of life, above all life in the home, taking into his hospital stay after the attempt on his life on May 13,
account the individual's age and sex." he was not able to complete the definitive revision on
time.
It is fitting that women "should be able to fulfill their
tasks in accordance with their own nature, without being
discriminated against and without being excluded from
jobs for which they are capable, but also without lack of