Mater Et Magistra

“Mater et Magistra” On Christianity and Social Progress Pope John XXIII May 15, 1961 Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli October 28, 1958 June 3, 1963

• Pope John XXIII issued this Encyclical in response to the severe imbalances between the rich and poor which exist in the world. • The Pope “internationalizes” the Catholic social teaching by treating for the first time, the situation of countries which are not fully industrialized.

• He confirms previous papal teaching on the value of private initiative, just remuneration for work, and the social function of private property. • He aims at up-dating the already known documents, and at taking a further step forward in the process of involving the whole Christian community.

The key words in the Encyclical are:

• Community • Socialization “…the Church is called in truth, justice and love to cooperate in building with all men and women an authentic communion.” (#166)