Populorum Progressio

Pope Paul VI's encyclical on the development of peoples remains one of the most important documents of Catholic Social Teaching.  Written in 1967, the encyclical explains what the Church was saying about the growing poverty and injustice of the developing world.

Forty years on it retains its clarity and power, calling for a fairer division of the riches of the world as a goal to be strived for by all.

God calls us to look hard at our lifestyles and to choose to live simply, sustainably, and in solidarity with the poor.

In this way, we can help create a world in which human dignity is respected and everyone can reach their full potential. This would be true progress, worth more than economic growth alone.

The Catholic Truth Society has published a new edition of Populorum Progressio - buy it here.

This is Progress

This is Progress is an abridged version of Populorum Progressio, prepared by Father R V Bogan of Wonersh Seminary.

The official text of the encyclical letter is in Latin, but the letter was originally written by Pope Paul and his advisers in French.

By consulting both the Latin and the French, Father Bogan has produced a creative translation of remarkable power.

This edition follows the text as first published in 1967, with some small adjustments to update language or terminology.

Order a copy of This is Progress (£2.50 plus p&p)

Download a free copy of This is Progress (995k PDF)