Catholic teaching on the issues
These Catholic authoritative documents address issues of importance to the Church, explaining why they matter and the reasoning behind the way the Church approaches these issues.
Caritas in Veritate
Caritas in Veritate, the final encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, is a reflection on economic and social issues that addresses the problems of global development and progress towards the common good through love and truth.
Deus Caritas Est
Deus Caritas Est, written by Pope Benedict XV, discusses God’s love and the reality of human love. It addresses the commandment to love one’s neighbor, especially the laity’s role in creating a just society.
Dignitatis Humanae
In Dignitatis Humanae, the Second Vatican Council outlines the Church’s support for the protection of religious liberty. It addresses how the Church should relate to secular states and their governments.
Evangelium Vitae
Evangelium Vitae is Saint John Paul II’s encyclical on the sacredness and value of human life.
Familiaris Consortio
Familiaris Consortio summarizes the Church’s teachings on the role of the Christian family and the sacrament of marriage.
Gaudium et Spes
Gaudium et Spes outlines the Church’s social teachings in a modern and quickly changing world.
Gravissimum Educationis
Gravissimum Educationis is the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on Christian Education. It examines the importance of education and asserts that every person has a right to education.
Laudato Si’
Pope Francis issued Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, to explore human life and its three intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbor, and with the earth.
Lumen Gentium
Lumen Gentium explains the Church’s nature as “a sign and instrument of communion with God and of unity among all men,” and highlights the Church’s universal mission as human salvation.