Quadragesimo Anno

Quadragesimo Anno, published by Pope Pius XI in 1931, is a social encyclical that addresses the ethical foundations of economic and social life. It emphasizes the importance of social justice, the rights of workers, and the responsibility of both individuals and governments to promote the common good. The document critiques excessive economic inequality, advocates for subsidiarity—supporting local decision-making—and calls for a balanced economy where profit serves societal needs. It builds on and responds to the teachings of Rerum Novarum, adapting them to the challenges of its time, with a focus on fair labor practices and moral principles guiding economic activity.