Papal Economics

Book excerpt: Papal Economics corrects the record about one of the most important—but least ­understood—authorities on capitalism and democracy: the Catholic Church. Maciej Zieba, OP—a leading interpreter of the thought of Pope John Paul II—takes readers on an enlightening tour through the Catholic Church’s social teaching on economics and governance. Examining papal pronouncements from the late nineteenth century to the present, Zieba shows that the Church displays a profound understanding of democracy and support for free markets. But this praise is not unquali­fied—a major reason why secular commentators of all stripes misinterpret Catholic social teaching. Updated with a brand-new afterword explaining the controversial economic teachings of Pope Francis, Papal ­Economics is the essential book for understanding the proper path forward.