Laborem exercens: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:22, 10 April 2016

Revision as of 04:59, 26 May 2016

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{{italic title}}

{{Infobox Encyclical

| name = Laborem exercens

| language = Latin

| translation = OnThrough Human Workwork

| argument = On Human Work on the 90th anniversary of ''[[Rerum novarum]]''

| date = 14 September 1981

Line 10 ⟶ 9:

| number = 3 of 14

| before = Dives in misericordia

| after = [[Slavorum Apostoli]]

| web_en = http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091981_laborem-exercens_en.html

| web_la = http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091981_laborem-exercens_lt.html

}}

{{Social teachings of the popes}}

'''''Laborem exercens''''' (English[[Latin]]: '''On HumanThrough Work''') wasis an [[encyclical]] written by [[Pope John Paul II]] in 1981, on human work. It is part of athe larger body of doctrine known as [[Catholic social teaching]], which traces its origin to another[[Pope Leo XIII]]'s 1891 encyclical, ''[[Rerum novarum]]'', issued by [[Pope Leo XIII]] in 1891.

==Context==

It had become customary for Popes[[Pope|popes]] to publish new writings on social issues at ten-year intervals since ''Rerum novarum'', in order to keep the teachings relevant to the current times. ''Laborem exercens'' was written in honor of the 90th anniversary, and makes reference to ''Rerum novarum'' and to several of the subsequent writings.

The Popepope was not able to issue the document on the May 15 anniversary because of the [[Pope John Paul II assassination attempt|assassination attempt]] two days earlier.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/13/newsid_2512000/2512533.stm "1981: Thousands see Pope shot in Rome."] ''BBC News: On This Day''. Retrieved 26 Dec 2011.</ref> He published ''Laborem exercens'' a few months later, in September 1981.

Some of the trends mentioned by John Paul within the encyclical are:

* Increased use of technology, especially information technology, which John Paul predicted would bring changes comparable to the [[industrial revolution]] of the previous century.

* Environmental issues. The Popepope noted that some resources, particularly oil, were becoming scarce. Also, the need to protect the [[Natural environment|environment]] was becoming apparent.

* People in the developing world wanted to be more involved in the global economy. John Paul welcomed this trend, but feared it would bring unemployment for many skilled workers as work was distributed more widely.

Not mentioned in the encyclical, but surely in John Paul’s mind as he addressed the question of work, was the foundation of [[Solidarity (Polish trade union)|Solidarity]], an independent trade union with strong Catholic roots, in his native Poland in 1980. John Paul knew [[Lech Walesa]], Solidarity’s founder, and had met with him more than once during a homecoming visit in 1979.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4142268.stm "Analysis: Solidarity's Legacy."] ''BBC News''. Retrieved 24 Dec 2011.</ref>

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===Dignity of agricultural work===

The Popepope asserted the dignity of agricultural workers, and some particular difficulties and injustices they face. These include greater isolation; hard physical toil; inadequate wages, benefits, and training; and oppression of those who actually cultivate the soil by wealthy landowners. "In many situations radical and urgent changes are therefore needed in order to restore to agriculture—and to rural people—their just value as the basis for a healthy economy, within the social community's development as a whole."<ref>''Laborem exercens,'' §21</ref>

===Rights of disabled persons===

Persons with disabilities have the same [[disability rights movement|rights]] as other workers: "The disabled person is one of us and participates fully in the same humanity that we possess." The Popepope acknowledged costs and other barriers, but believes these can be overcome when communities work together with worker’s rights being a priority.<ref>''Laborem exercens,'' §22</ref>

===Emigration and work===