ISBN 9966-21-612-X; Pages 40: Publication 1990

ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIII

Once the passion for revolutionary change was aroused – a passion long disturbing governments – it was bound to follow sooner or later that eagerness for change would pass from the political sphere over into the related field of economics. In fact, new developments in industry, new techniques striking out on new paths, changed relations of employer and employee, abounding wealth among a very small number and destitution among the masses, increased self-reliance on the part of workers as well as a closer bond pf union with one another, and, in addition to all this, a decline in morals have caused conflict to break forth. The momentous nature of the questions involved in this conflict is evident from the fact that it keeps people’s minds in anxious expectation, occupying the talents of the learned, the discussions of the wise and experienced, the assemblies of the people, the judgment of lawmakers, and the deliberations of rulers, so that now no topic more strongly holds people’s interests.