Laborem Exercens was an encyclical written by Pope John Paul II in 1981, on human work. It is part of a larger body of doctrine known as Catholic social teaching, which traces its origin to another encyclical, Rerum Novarum, issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1891.
Context
It had become customary for Popes to publish new writings on social issues on ten-year anniversaries of 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 Pope was not able to issue the document in time for the May 15 anniversary because of an attempt on his life on May 13, 1981. 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 Pope noted that some resources, particularly oil, were becoming scarce. Also, the need to protect the 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, 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.
Message
Dignity of Work
References
External links
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