Britannica Sources used in this answer

What social concerns did St. Paul VI address in Populorum progressio?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Pope Paul VI stands behind microphones with both arms raised, wearing white papal robes and glasses, during a public appearance in Geneva. — St. Paul VI In 1968 Pope Paul VI appeared in Geneva to address the International Labour Organization on the 50th anniversary of its founding.

In his 1967 encyclical Populorum progressio ("Progress of the Peoples"), St. Paul VI addressed critical global issues centered on the pursuit of social justice and the promotion of world peace.1

Building upon his long-standing pastoral focus on the needs of workers and the poor, the pope used this document to advocate for the integral development of all human beings. The encyclical served as a pointed plea for addressing systemic inequality, emphasizing that the resolution of social problems is essential for achieving lasting global stability. His commitment to these issues was so profound that it drew criticism from some conservative circles, who accused him of Marxism for his strong stance on economic and social equity.1

Ultimately, the encyclical reflected the pope's belief that the church must actively engage with the "inescapable problems of justice and peace," urging that these challenges be met with realistic courage and individual perseverance.2