Last week, I was in Rome for the annual meeting of the Papal Foundation Centesimus Annus, which advocates Catholic social teachings on business, finance and the economy. The Caux Round Table Principles for Business of 1994 were, in part, derived directly from Pope John Paul II’s 1991 encyclical, Centesimus Annus. That encyclical was written to recall and extend the 1891 encyclical of Pope Leo XIII, Rerum Novarum. Pope Leo XIV has noted his choice of name as intentionally directed to recall the contributions of Pope Leo XIII to Catholic social teachings in the modern era of industrialization as the economic foundation for modern humanity. Pope Leo XIV must now propose his reflections for a post-industrial global economic order and soon, AI-driven wealth creation.
On coming to the Caux Round Table, I, for the first time, read Papal encyclicals, thanks to the mentorship of Jean-Loup Dherse, an author of our principles for business. Though raised a Protestant, I immediately appreciated the quality of the thoughts and arguments presented by the Popes in their social teachings, the skill in articulation of how values and the ups and downs of life intersect and could intersect if we would but pay closer attention to ourselves and others. Many passages and sections reminded me of the best U.S. Supreme Court opinions of Chief Justice John Marshall, written 200 years ago.
Last Saturday morning, Pope Leo XIV graciously met with our participants. I found him most at ease and seemingly assured in the execution of his responsibility to provide thoughtful guidance to all who will listen. He framed his thinking for the work of all of us who care “to raise a standard to which the wise and the honest may repair.”
You can read his remarks here.
The Pontiff’s thoughts also apply to the work of the Caux Round Table.