As the Church enters a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, many are looking to past papal teachings for clues about his priorities. One foundational text influencing his approach is Rerum Novarum – the landmark encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, “on capital and labor.”
This document, which addressed the social and economic upheavals of the Industrial Revolution, remains strikingly relevant as the world now faces the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change.
Here are three key takeaways from Rerum Novarum and how they might shape the direction of this new papacy.
1. The dignity of work and the rights of workers
At its core, Rerum Novarum insists on the dignity of human work and the rights of workers to fair wages, safe conditions, and reasonable hours. It was a bold response to the harsh realities of 19th-century factory life, where many laborers were reduced to mere cogs in a machine. Pope Leo XIII argued that work is not just a means of survival, but a vital expression of human creativity and dignity.
Why this still matters:
As AI reshapes entire industries, displacing workers and automating once-secure jobs, this principle is more relevant than ever. Pope Leo XIV, known for his pastoral sensitivity and deep connection to the working poor during his years in Peru, might draw on this tradition to advocate for policies that protect workers in the digital age. This could include pushing for ethical AI standards that prioritize human dignity over profit and ensuring that technological progress does not come at the cost of widespread unemployment or economic inequality.
2. The call for solidarity and the common good
Rerum Novarum also emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people, calling for solidarity in the face of social division. It rejects the extremes of both unchecked capitalism and radical socialism, promoting a vision of society where the needs of all, especially the most vulnerable, are prioritized.
Why this still matters:
AI, with its ability to rapidly amplify wealth but also deepen divides, presents a new kind of economic and social risk. Just as the Industrial Revolution concentrated power and wealth in the hands of a few, today’s tech-driven economy risks doing (and indeed does) the same. Pope Leo XIV, as a leader familiar with the struggles of the poor, may seek to address these gaps, calling for a more equitable distribution of the benefits of technological progress. His past work in Latin America, a region marked by stark economic disparities, could shape his approach to this modern challenge.
3. The role of the State in promoting justice
Finally, Rerum Novarum insists that the state has a duty to protect the rights of workers and ensure social justice. It argues that governments should not merely serve economic interests, but act as guardians of human dignity and the common good.
Why this still matters:
As governments grapple with how to regulate AI and protect their citizens from its potential harms, this principle takes on renewed importance. From data privacy to the ethical use of surveillance technologies, the Church’s moral voice could play a critical role in shaping global norms. Pope Leo XIV, as a former bishop deeply engaged in social justice, might push for a Church that stands as a moral counterweight to unchecked technological power.
As Pope Leo XIV takes the reins, his papacy could become a defining moment for how the Church engages with the digital age. By drawing on the lessons of Rerum Novarum, he has a powerful framework for navigating the ethical, economic, and social challenges of a rapidly changing world – one that insists on human dignity as the ultimate measure of progress.
