Populorum Progressio Archives

Celebrating one of history’s most refined, and recognizably human, popes
- Oct 12, 2018
Among other things, Paul VI showed the world that even popes wrestle with existential doubts, and that holiness and heartbreak can go hand-in-hand.

By John L. Allen Jr.
On anniversary of Blessed Paul VI’s death, Francis visits tomb after Mass in his honor
- Aug 7, 2017
Pope Francis prayed at the tomb of Pope Paul VI on Sunday after Italian Bishop Marcello Semeraro celebrated a Mass for the 39th anniversary of the death of Blessed Pope Paul VI in the Vatican Grottoes under St. Peter’s Basilica. The late pope’s encyclical ‘Populorum Progressio’ has been a cornerstone of Francis’s Vatican reform.

By Claire Giangravè
Paul VI made ‘integral human development’ a Catholic touchstone
- Jun 11, 2017
This year marks the 50th anniversary of ‘Populorum Progressio,’ a social encyclical released by Blessed Pope Paul VI, which has become a touchstone for Catholic social teaching, praised by each of the last three popes, especially for its emphasis on “integral” human development, meaning a process involving the whole human person.

By Thomas D. Williams

Cardinal urges ‘common security’ approach to migration

Apr 5, 2017

While speaking at a conference marking the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical “Populorum Progressio,” Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila said that Catholics must foster a “point of encounter” with migrants based on the things that humanity has in common, such as the aspiration for fullness of life.

Catholic approach to development looks at body and soul, pope says

Apr 4, 2017

During a Vatican conference marking the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical on integral human development, “Populorum Progressio,” Pope Francis said that the Catholic approach to development cannot be understood without upholding the dignity of the person against any form of exploitation.

Development must focus on human person, Vatican officials say

Apr 3, 2017

Cardinal Gerhard Müller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, opened the conference marking the 50th anniversary of Blessed Paul VI’s encyclical “Populorum Progressio,” a social encyclical on development.