Libertas praestantissimum donum

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The encyclical Libertas praestantissimum donum , German title “Freedom is the most excellent of natural goods”, is also known under the abbreviation “Libertas”. She was founded by Pope Leo XIII. and published on June 20, 1888. It is a supplement to the encyclical Immortale Dei published by him on November 1, 1885 on the doctrine of the "True State". In the encyclical Leo XIII deals. with various aspects of intellectual and religious freedom for Christians and citizens.

To freedom

On this topic he explains that the true freedom worthy of God's children , which protects the dignity of the human person in the most noble way, is greater than all violence and all injustice. It is always a concern and a special desire of the church. But the name of the Christian should not be used as the leader of a political group.

To freedom of conscience

The demand for freedom of conscience appears to be entirely justified. The Catholic Church had rejected this request several times in the 19th century on the grounds that it gave religious error a right. Leo XIII. explains in the encyclical Libertas of June 20, 1888: “True freedom, fully appropriate to the children of God, to do God's will unhindered according to the authoritative expression of conscience and to fulfill God's commandments, proves to be the most honorable protection of the human person and their dignity. "

Freedom of conscience is justified by the dignity of the human person, so it belongs to human rights and means the freedom to inform and maintain one's conscience, the possibility of critically questioning laws, affirming or rejecting moral norms and living according to one's own convictions. This also includes tolerance of erring conscience and acting against conscience. Freedom of conscience experiences a limit to the legitimate interests of the common good.

To freedom of thought

In his encyclical Leo XIII rejected. the idea of human rights and civil rights with the remarks: "The unrestricted freedom of thought and the public announcement of a person's thoughts are not part of the rights of the citizens".

Elsewhere he called it totally unjustified to demand, defend or grant unlimited freedom of thought, speech, writing or worship as if these were rights that are naturally bestowed on man.

For political activity

The clergy and laity is working with Republican administrations, permitted provided that they acknowledge the Church's rights and privileges and true.

Again and again, Leo XIII encouraged. the priests: “Go out of the sacristy among the people!” in order to let the church become a political power. As a result of this call, Catholic trade unions were founded with the aim of weakening the socialist organized workforce and bringing about class harmony.

literature

  • Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (ed.): Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church . Herder, Freiburg im Breisgau et al. 2006, ISBN 3-451-29078-2 .