Neoliberal Economic Theory and Practice and Its Reception in Saint John Paul II's, Benedict XVI's and Francis' Texts
Abstract
The issue of economic theory and practice constitutes a significant part of the Catholic Social Doctrine. In spite of the fact that various aspects of the doctrine have been already examined in both the Czech and Slovak geographical environment, there is still room for further and deeper investigation.
In the paper, I focus on the analysis of neoliberal principles and their reception in the various texts of three popes: Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, respectively. I try to highlight that in their numerous statements (expressed implicitly or explicitly in the encyclical letters, apostolic exhortations, addresses, and homilies) we cannot see any indications of a shift towards neoliberal political ideology.
On the contrary, all the aforementioned popes are far from neoliberal accounts in their written expressions or unwritten statements. Moreover, they criticize economic inequality, unemployment; emphasize the role of a state in the economy, the primacy of man over any profit-seeking activities, primacy of work over capital, and the need for achievement (global) solidarity.
All these features of the Catholic Social Doctrine seem to be in contrast with neoliberalism.