On November 25, a conference entitled Rerum Novarum: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow brought together speakers in Montreal for a rich and timely dialogue on one of the founding texts of the Church's social doctrine.

Organized by CAPP-Canada, in partnership with the Newman Centre at McGill University, the Catholic Church of Montreal, and the Newman Institute of Catholic Studies, the event revisited the encyclical Rerum Novarum, promulgated in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, in light of contemporary realities.

At the heart of the exchanges, panellists drew attention to the enduring reach of this landmark text. At the time of its publication, Rerum Novarum responded to the upheavals of the Industrial Revolution by affirming essential principles of justice for workers, while recognizing the responsibilities of employers and governments alike.

Those principles continue to inform thinking on questions such as fair wages, the dignity of work, and the balance between economic development and social responsibility. Speakers also stressed the importance of carrying this conversation forward in the face of today's challenges, particularly those arising from globalization and the transformation of work in the digital age.

In this context, the conference also shed light on the symbolic weight of the new pope's choice of name. By taking the name Leo XIV, the Holy Father situates himself in the lineage of Leo XIII, evoking a deep commitment to the Church's social doctrine and to the mission of building a more just society, one in which the dignity of every person is recognized and protected.

Through these exchanges, one conviction emerged clearly: yesterday, today, and into the future, human dignity must remain at the centre of every form of social organization. More than a legacy, Rerum Novarum remains a living call to build a more just world, rooted in the Gospel.

The event featured contributions from several speakers, including Archbishop Christian Lépine, Dr. Cecil Chabot, Professor Danielle Morin, and Professor Cory Labrecque, who offered complementary and insightful perspectives from both pastoral and academic backgrounds.

Joanne Dorcé
Content Manager and Assistant Director,
Communications Department
Archdiocese of Montreal