Pope Paul VI wrote the encyclical Populorum Progressio in 1967 to address the world economy and

its effect on peoples around the world. At this time many nations saw their economic development
stall, while others continued to grow at a record pace. In the document he talks about the rights of
workers to a just wage, job security, reasonable working conditions, and to join a worker's
association.
The development of nations and peoples is of great interest to the Church, which is especially
concerned for those who seek to escape hunger, poverty, disease, and ignorance. While many
nations have been blessed with abundance, they need to hear their brother's cry for help and
answer it lovingly.
The Church is committed to advocating for a secure food supply, cures for diseases, and stable
employment. Each nation needs the social and economic structure necessary to achieve growth.
The growing gap between rich and poor nations and increasing signs of social unrest demonstrate
the severity of the situation. The Church has long made efforts to help nations develop, but their
great needs must be answered by their fellow countries.
It has been the duty of humanity to "fill the earth and subdue it" (Genesis 1. 28) through physical
labor. The earth was created to provide each person with the necessities of life. The encyclical
continues by discussing the value and peril of industrialization and recommends a balanced
approach toward development.
All of humanity is called to lend a hand toward helping those in need. Development as a goal must
include both social progress as well as economic growth, allowing men and women to further their
moral growth and develop their spiritual endowments. Basic education is necessary for economic
development - literacy is "the first and most basic tool for personal enrichment and social
integration." (Paragraph 35)
There are three major duties which must be completed for the world to achieve development. The
wealthiest nations must give aid and promote solidarity with developing nations. Fair trading
relations between strong and poor nations must be established. The world must also focus on
universal charity by building a more humane world community.
We should all pray that God will "bend every effort of mind and spirit to" the eradication of the evils
that plague our world. (Paragraph 75) The world must work together for the common good and
abolish hunger, poverty, and injustice.
His Holiness concluded the encyclical by calling on Catholic, other Christians, and to all of humanity
work together to achieve progress in these endeavors.