Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: Roman Catholic Social Teaching -- The Classic Texts of Leo XIII and Pius XI -- Renum: The Condition of Labor -- Quadragesimo Anno: After Forty Years -- Catholic Social Thought in Transition -- Mater et Magistra: Christianity and Social Progress -- Pacem in Terris: Peace on Earth -- Vatican II and Post and Post-Conciliar Catholic SOcial Teaching -- Gaudium et Spes: Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World -- Populorum Progressio: On the Development of Peoples -- Justice in the World -- Evangelii Nuntiandi: Evangelization in the Modern World -- The Social Teaching of John Paul -- Laborem Exercens: On Human Work -- Sollicitudo Rei Socialis: On Social Concern -- Centesimus Annus: On the Hundredth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum -- The U.S. Bishops and Catholic SOcial Teaching -- The Challenge of peace: God's Promise and Our Response -- Economic Justice for All

Marking the centenary of Catholic social teaching, this is the single most comprehensive available collection of primary documents from Pope Leo XIII's historic Rerum Novarum (1981). Along with the complete texts of every essential papal encyclical, this volume also includes the important documents of the American bishops on peace and the economy. Every document is preceded by an introductory essay and helpful notes, making it an exceptional reference and teaching tool. Catholic Social Thought is indispensable for scholars and students, religious and lay people, and every concerned with the official statements of the Catholic church on social issues and world peace.