Catholic Social Teaching on Socialism, Capitalism and the Family
Why does the Catholic Church reject socialism? Fr. Shenan Boquet explains what Catholic social teaching says about socialism, capitalism, poverty, and the family.
A recent Gallup poll found 43% of Americans view socialism favorably. Many are facing real struggles — rising housing costs, college debt, and wages that don’t keep up. The Church hears those concerns seriously. But as Fr. Shenan Boquet, president of Human Life International, explains, socialism is not the solution — because it begins with a false understanding of the human person and always ends by undermining the family.
Drawing on Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, Pope St. John Paul II’s Centesimus Annus, and Pope Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est, Fr. Boquet shows:
- Why young adults are attracted to socialism amid economic uncertainty
- Why the Catholic Church has always condemned socialism and communism
- How socialism attacks private property, subsidiarity, and the family as the first economy
- What Rerum Novarum teaches about workers’ rights, just wages, and exploitation of the poor
- Why rejecting socialism does NOT mean endorsing exploitative capitalism
- How virtuous business, just wages, and strong families build a just society
The answer begins in the home. Strong families teach sacrifice, responsibility, generosity, and care for others — virtues no state bureaucracy can replace.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Rerum Novarum — Pope Leo XIII on capital and labor: Rerum Novarum (May 15, 1891)
Centesimus Annus — Pope St. John Paul II on the 100th anniversary of Rerum Novarum: Centesimus Annus (1 May 1991)
Deus Caritas Est — Pope Benedict XVI on Christian love: Deus caritas est (December 25, 2005)
HLI Catholic Voting Guide — download your free copy here: Cast Your Ballot with Confidence | Human Life International
Fr. Boquet’s Spirit & Life article: Socialism and the Family are Incompatible | Human Life International
ABOUT HUMAN LIFE INTERNATIONAL
Human Life International (HLI) is a Catholic pro-life organization defending life, marriage, and the family through Catholic education and formation of local leaders around the world.
Learn more here: Human Life International | About Us
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