Mater et Magistra

On Christianity and Social Progress

St. John XXIII1961-05-15Current

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Overview

Updates Catholic social teaching for changes in agriculture, industry, public authority, international relations, and socialization.

Why This Document Matters

It extends the social encyclical tradition to modern economic interdependence and insists on practical formation in social doctrine.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John XXIII in 1961, this papal encyclical addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Papal Encyclical
Authority class: Papal encyclical
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1961-05-15

Authoritative papal teaching; the weight of individual statements depends on their wording, subject, continuity, and intent.

Key Points

Social TeachingHuman Dignity & LifeCulture & Communications

Major Themes

Social TeachingHuman Dignity & LifeCulture & Communications

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Mater et Magistra

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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