Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical

Rerun Novarum May 15, 1981 Scott 882 (1991) It has been widely reported in the Catholic press that Pope Leo will be releasing his first papal encyclical today. Sources suggest that this encyclical had been provisionally titled “Magnifica humanitas” (“Magnificent humanity”) and will address some of the consequential issues of today’s world. At the top of the list is artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impacts on the sanctity of the person and human labor and work. The choice of May 15 is not a random selection. In 2026, it marks the 135th anniversary of one of the most consequential papal encyclicals, Pope Leo XIII’s “Rerun Novarum” ("On Capital and Labor"). It is no secret that the current pope greatly admires the late 19th/early 20th century pontiff, to the point of taking his papal name as his own. “Rerum Novarum”, released on May 15, 1891, has been dubbed the "Magna Carta" of Catholic social teaching in which Pope Leo XIII addressed the condition of the working class and defended private property at a time of social upheaval resulting from the Industrial Revolution. Two other papal encyclicals were released on May 15: May 15, 1931, “Quadragesimo Anno” ("In the 40th Year"): issued on the 40th anniversary of “Rerum Novarum” by Pope Pius XI, it introduced the principle of subsidiarity and critiqued both capitalism and totalitarian socialism. May 15, 1961, “Mater et Magistra” ("Christianity and Social Progress"): released on the 70th anniversary by Pope John XXIII, it addressed the role of the Church in promoting social justice, economic development, and worker participation. And, two encyclicals by Pope John Paul II are tied to May 15. “Laborem Exercens” ("Through Work") was due to be published on May 15, 1981, but was delayed due to the assassination attempt on his life on May 13. It was eventually released on September 14, 1981. And his work “Centesimus Annus” ("The Hundredth Year") was essentially published on the centenary of “Rerum Novarum” but was released two weeks early on May 1, 1991. An extensive look at “Rerun Novarum”, written by Peter Caracci, is presented below. REFERENCES: Daniel Esparza and Kathleen N. Hattrup, Aleteia.org, May 4, 2026, Leo’s first encyclical set for May 15 debut Peter Caracci, VPS Daily Email, May 15, Rerum Novarum: On Capital and Labor Vatican Philatelic Society website, www.vaticanstamps.org, Stamp Database Search