“Mater et

Magistra”
On Christianity and Social Progress
Pope John XXIII
May 15, 1961
Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli
October 28, 1958
June 3, 1963
• Pope John XXIII issued this Encyclical in
response to the severe imbalances
between the rich and poor which exist in
the world.
• The Pope “internationalizes” the Catholic
social teaching by treating for the first
time, the situation of countries which are
not fully industrialized.
• He confirms previous papal teaching on
the value of private initiative, just
remuneration for work, and the social
function of private property.
• He aims at up-dating the already known
documents, and at taking a further step
forward in the process of involving the
whole Christian community.
The key words in the Encyclical are:
• Community
• Socialization

“…the Church is called in truth, justice and

love to cooperate in building with all men and
women an authentic communion.”
(#166)