#12213 Understanding Catholic Social Teaching From Pope Leo XIII to Today - Tom Nash

Catholic Answers Live

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Cy Kellett is joined by theologian Tom Nash for a deep dive into Catholic social teaching through the lens of Rerum Novarum, the 1891 encyclical by Pope Leo XIII. Prompted by Pope Leo XIV’s decision to connect his papacy with his namesake, the discussion explores why Rerum Novarum remains foundational for the Church’s response to modern social and economic upheavals. From labor rights and the dignity of work to AI, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the proper role of the state, this hour unpacks timeless Catholic principles for navigating new challenges. Whether you’re new to Catholic social teaching or looking to revisit its core insights, this episode offers a clear, passionate, and relevant exploration of how faith meets public life.

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Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Intro: Why Pope Leo XIV chose the name Leo
• 03:30 – Overview of Rerum Novarum and Pope Leo XIII
• 07:00 – Origins of Catholic Social Teaching
• 10:30 – Response to Industrial Revolution
• 14:00 – Gregory XVI and Marari Vos
• 17:30 – Theocracy vs. Catholic moral leadership
• 21:00 – Definition of Catholic Social Teaching
• 24:30 – Human flourishing and property ownership
• 28:00 – Dignity of workers and work conditions
• 31:30 – Modern implications: AI as a moral issue
• 35:00 – Market economy vs. socialism
• 38:30 – Greed, envy, and class warfare
• 42:00 – Role of unions and political integrity
• 45:30 – How AI might affect human dignity
• 49:00 – Solidarity and Subsidiarity explained
• 52:30 – Common Good and the role of the family

Chapters

1. Intro: Why Pope Leo XIV chose the name Leo (00:00:00)

2. Overview of Rerum Novarum and Pope Leo XIII (00:03:30)

3. Origins of Catholic Social Teaching (00:07:00)

4. Response to Industrial Revolution (00:10:30)

5. Gregory XVI and Marari Vos (00:14:00)

6. Theocracy vs. Catholic moral leadership (00:17:30)

7. Definition of Catholic Social Teaching (00:21:00)

8. Human flourishing and property ownership (00:24:30)

9. Dignity of workers and work conditions (00:28:00)

10. Modern implications: AI as a moral issue (00:31:30)

11. Market economy vs. socialism (00:35:00)

12. Greed, envy, and class warfare (00:38:30)

13. Role of unions and political integrity (00:42:00)

14. How AI might affect human dignity (00:45:30)

15. Solidarity and Subsidiarity explained (00:49:00)

16. Common Good and the role of the family (00:52:30)