On March 26, 1967, Blessed Paul VI promulgated his social encyclical “Populorum Progressio” (“The Progress of Peoples”). Fifty years later, the words of Blessed Paul may be more pertinent than ever.
In this timely review of that landmark document, our package of stories from partner Catholic News Service examines the issues of nationalism, borders, globalization and isolation, divisions between rich and poor, and racial strife that exist today.
Pope Paul saw the world ahead, and how to live justly in it
Blessed Paul VI focused on the changes happening at the end of colonialism and the spread of industrialization. His solution to social inequalities and his call for all people to work for justice is needed as much now as in 1967.
Social ills are caused by ‘weakening of brotherly ties,’ pope wrote in ’67
Some world leaders might today shake their heads at Paul VI’s challenge: “Knowing that development means peace these days, what man would not want to work for it with every ounce of his strength? No one, of course.”
Fifty years after ‘Populorum Progressio,’ there’s still work to do
Until human flourishing and dignity become the benchmarks of human enterprise, human ills won’t be resolved, writes Norbertine Father Graham Golden. In a divided world 50 years later, the encyclical is more pertinent than ever.
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