Episode 1: Joseph Capizzi on the Meaning of Social Doctrine (July 16, 2025)

Podcast 1 (July 15, 2025):What is meant by the social doctrine of the Catholic Church?Many claim that Catholic social doctrine only began with Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum. Is this accurate? Are there not biblical and Patristic roots to Catholic social doctrine?What do you believe are the key principles of Catholic social doctrine? What do you focus on when you teach courses on Catholic social doctrine at the Catholic University of America? How does the social doctrine of the Church relate to issues of war and peace?Some Catholics believe the Church should stick to spiritual matters and not enter into discussions on social matters (e.g. on the environment, immigration, economics, etc.). How would you respond to such Catholics?Is there a hierarchy in Catholic social doctrine? Some people are concerned that the "seamless garment" approach puts all social issues at the same level. How would you respond to these people?Why is it important for Catholics to know about the social doctrine of the Church?Interview conducted by Michael Vacca and Robert Fastiggi of Prof. Joseph Capizzi, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies of the Catholic University of America: https://trs.catholic.edu/faculty- and-research/faculty-profiles/capizzi-joseph/index.html