Graves de communi re

Under the impression that the encyclical Rerum Novarum in Europe and Latin America could lead to reactionary implications, and by the development of new workers, the working class would lead to socialism, Pope Leo XIII. January 18, 1901, the encyclical Graves de communi re, on Christian democracy in terms of social welfare activities. This encyclical is associated with the so-called " small social encyclicals ."

Socialism and Christian Democracy

Graves de communi re categorically denied any compatibility between Christianity and atheistic socialism. The Rerum Novarum since broken activism for " Christian democracy " should not be misused as a battle cry for the conquest of popular rule. In the opinion of the Pope 's commandments of love and harmony were the only legal basis for the solution of the social question, and therefore he exhorted again and again the rich and the poor, not to leave this ground.

Decree

Leo XIII. accordingly lodged in his circular letter also states - which is about a decree was like - that the party and union political activities of Catholics would be limited only to social and charitable activities.

According to the circular, the Christian democratic thought, therefore, was only allowed on public welfare, but not on political and constitutional issues addressed.

The Catholics should the given political order after the Pope's will - whether monarchical or democratic - support, but even do anything to bring about a democratic order.