Mater et Magistra: Encyclical letter of His Holiness Pope John XXIII, Christianity and Social Progress
Pope John XXIII begins this encyclical by reviewing the major points of The Condition of Labor and The Recon- struction of the Social Order. He notes that new political, social, and economic developments have necessitated Christianity and Social Progress. He confirms previous papal teaching on the value of private initiative, just remuneration for work, and the social function of private property. John XXIII then treats the questions of agricul- ture and aid to developing countries. He urges a recon- struction of social relationships according to the principles of Catholic social teaching and states the responsibility of individual Christians to work for a more just world.