Centesimus annus (Latin for "the hundredth year") is an encyclical which was written by Pope John Paul II in 1991 on the hundredth anniversary of Rerum novarum, an encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1891. It is part of a larger body of writings, known as Catholic social teaching, which trace their origin to Rerum novarum and aim to relate the teachings of Jesus to the industrial age.
It was one of fourteen encyclicals issued by John Paul II. The theologian Cardinal Georges Cottier was influential in drafting the encyclical.
Overview
Written in 1991, during the last days of the Cold War, Centesimus annus specifically examines contemporaneous political and economic issues. The encyclical is partially a refutation of Marxist/communist ideology and a condemnation of the dictatorial regimes that practiced it, condemning the horrors of the communist regimes throughout the world in the recent past.
The encyclical expounds issues of social and economic justice, including a defense of private property rights and the right to form private associations, including labor unions. It compares socialism to consumerism, identifying atheism as the source of their common denial of the dignity of the human individual.
The recurring themes of social and economic justice in Centesimus annus articulate foundational beliefs in the social teaching of the Catholic Church. Throughout, the Pope calls on the State to ensure justice for the poor and to protect the human rights of all its citizens. This repeats a theme from Pope Leo XIII's Rerum novarum: When there is question of defending the rights of individuals, the defenceless and the poor have a claim to special consideration. The richer class has many ways of shielding itself, and stands less in need of help from the State; whereas the mass of the poor have no resources of their own to fall back on, and must chiefly depend on the assistance of the State. It is for this reason that wage-earners, since they mostly belong to the latter class, should be specially cared for and protected by the Government
But Pope John Paul II also defends private property, markets, and honorable business as necessary elements of a system of political economy that respects the dignity of the individual and allows him to express his full humanity. Man fulfills himself by using his intelligence and freedom. In so doing he utilizes the things of this world as objects and instruments and makes them his own. The foundation of the right to private initiative and ownership is to be found in this activity. By means of his work man commits himself, not only for his own sake but also for others and with others. Each person collaborates in the work of others and for their good. Man works in order to provide for the needs of his family, his community, his nation, and ultimately all humanity.
Principles
General
The dignity and rights of the worker (#3). The right to establish professional associations of employers and workers (#3). The right to private property (#6). The right to a just wage (#8). The right to discharge freely one's religious duties/freedom of religion (#9). The kingdom of God cannot be confused with any temporal kingdom (#25). To defend and promote the dignity and rights of human persons regardless of personal convictions (#22).
Solidarity
Empathizing with those around you so as to make their good your good, leading to a common pursuit of the common good (#10). Man cannot be understood on the basis of economics alone nor defined by class membership, but within culture (#24). Total recognition must be given to the rights of the human conscience (#29). The law is sovereign and not the arbitrary will of individuals (#44).
Subsidiarity
A community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, except when needed to coordinate its activity with the rest of society, always with a view to the common good (#48).
Synopsis
Introduction
Rerum novarum is of "great importance" for the Church; the "vital energies" it unleashed continue to increase (#1). Rerum novarum can be used to help look back at fundamental principles, "look around" at new events, and look to the future (#3). An analysis of history and current events is essential to the Church's mission of evangelization (#3).