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Humani generis
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Humani generis

work by Pius XII
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Humani generis was an encyclical issued by Pope Pius XII on August 12, 1950. The encyclical addressed various theological trends that were seen as reviving the ideas and methods of Modernism. It cautioned against certain philosophical and scientific theories that were perceived as undermining traditional Catholic teachings, particularly concerning evolution and the nature of the human person.1

Pius XII, born Eugenio Pacelli, served as Pope from 1939 to 1958. His pontificate was marked by significant global events, including World War II and the subsequent Cold War. Humani generis reflected his conservative stance and his concern for maintaining doctrinal purity within the Catholic Church amidst evolving intellectual currents. The phrase "amicus humani generis" translates to "friend of the human race".213

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. Pius XII
  2. Roman Catholicism - The period of the World Wars
  3. amicus humani generis
  4. humanism - The emergence of the individual and the idea of human dignity

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