Modern Catholic social teaching is said to have originated in 1891, when Pope Leo XII published the encyclical letter, Rerum Novarum. It consists of a number of principles, values, documents and instructions. Rooted in Scripture and developed by the wisdom of Church leaders and the People of God, these teachings offer us a moral compass on how to live out our faith in the world.
Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God. And all this with the aim of building a just society which is inspired by principles which are worthy of the human person.
Watch this video which briefly explains these principles of Catholic Social Teaching: