Rerum Novarum

Rerum Novarum, issued in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, is a foundational Catholic document addressing the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. It advocates for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe conditions, emphasizing the dignity of every person. It also supports the right to form unions and encourages the wealthy to exercise social responsibility by helping the less fortunate. The encyclical seeks to balance the needs of workers with the rights of business owners, promoting social justice rooted in human dignity, and remains influential in discussions about labor and social ethics.