Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 218
•
Trim: 6¼ x 9⅜
978-1-4422-7173-9 • Hardback • February 2018 • $99.00 • (£76.00)
978-1-4422-7174-6 • Paperback • February 2018 • $35.00 • (£30.00)
Thomas Massaro, SJ, is professor of moral theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. He is author of Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action and has been a regular contributor to America magazine.
Introduction: The Roots of the Social Thought of Pope Francis
1 Economic Justice: Challenging Economic Inequality
2 Promoting Labor Justice in a Globalized Economic Order
3 A Bold Call for Integral Ecology
4 Promoting Healthy Family Life in Challenging Times
5 Tireless Advocacy for the World’s Most Marginalized People: Migrants, Refugees, and the Victims of Human Trafficking
6 The Mission to Peacemaking and Conflict Transformation in Our Time
Conclusion
Massaro masterfully explores and explains what Pope Francis has added to Catholic social teaching and how he also builds on previous social teaching by popes such as Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. . . . One is unlikely to find a more cogent, comprehensive, sympathetic yet sometimes critical, well-written, and exhaustive treatment of Francis’s social teaching than that found in M.’s book.
— Theological Studies
Thomas Massaro, SJ, is one of the world's great experts, and great explainers, of the church’s social teaching. As a Jesuit, he is also someone with a deep knowledge of what lies behind Pope Francis's words and deeds—especially as they relate to issues of economic justice, labor, ecology, family life, advocacy for the marginalized, and peacemaking. Father Massaro's tremendous knowledge of Catholic social teaching together with his profound appreciation for Jesuit spirituality have combined to make a superb book. It's accessible, inviting and, most of all, wise.
— James Martin, SJ, author of In Good Company and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
Catholic social teaching has a long and noble tradition, but it needs a rebooting in our fractious and backsliding era. Thomas Massaro brilliantly shows how Pope Francis takes that teaching to an entirely new level, drawing on the power of ‘trickle-up’ wisdom and commitment, not just pronouncements from above. If you think Catholic social teaching is great but predictable and not very effective, read this book for inspiration.
— Lisa Cahill, J. Donald Monan Professor of Theology, Boston College
Explores Catholic social teaching through the work of Pope Francis
Examines current social concerns, filled with contemporary examples
Shares what Pope Francis has said, done, and written on these pressing social issues
Discusses how Pope Francis draws from the teachings of previous popes, the legacy of Jesuit spirituality, and his own pastoral experience in Argentina to update the church’s messages of justice and mercy
Makes rich connections not only to the Catholic social tradition but also to what other authors and scholars, including economists, diplomats, and ecologists, have said on each issue
Ideal for sparking classroom discussion, group conversation, or individual reading