Pope Leo XIII was concerned with the rise of socialism and cultural and economic problems caused by the Industrial Revolution. He wrote Rerum Novarum: Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor to address these concerns and light a better way for the world.

In an era of confusion and misinformation, Catholic social teaching provides clarity and cohesiveness for Catholics who wish to lead holy, virtuous lives. CST provides general guidelines for our behavior and choices, for which we must discern specific actions and behaviors.