Rerum Novarum

I read Rerum Novarum (RN) a few years ago as part of Theological and Catholic Social Justice Studies. I was curious - when the new Pope chose for his papal name the same as that of the author of RN - what RN could tell us about where the heart and thoughts of Pope Leo XIV is. This becomes even more interesting to me when taking into account it is the first American and native English speaker, especially in the current geopolitical context.

Thus,with my community member, we embarked on a new reading of RN. And it is as poignant as it was. It suggests that Leo XIII was pondering with a deep listening to what the Spirit could be saying for his time. I am amazed at how relevant it remains. Leo XIII could not have known that his ruminations stood the test of time, and both remarkably and a poor reflection on the human condition - that his counsel is even more pertinent in our time.

I highly recommend a read, even a reread of RN as to how the believing Catholic is invited to discern the signs of our time.

I wish to add, I was so delighted, grateful and definitely relieved that I could purchase a hard copy of RN. It is of course available online.