Today in Catholic History – Inscrutabili Dei Consilio

On Easter Sunday 21 April 1878, Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical Inscrutabili Dei Consilio or On the Evils of Society. This was the first encyclical of his pontificate and stressed many of the themes which would guide his future papacy.

In this encyclical, Pope Leo identifies several threats facing humanity at his time, chiefly that the rejection of objective truth and authority which has led to civil strife and war; the rejection of law; and a desire for the things of this world rather than the eternal. The chief defense against these threats is the Catholic Church, which is why Pope Leo believes it is under attack.

Leo stresses the contributions of the Catholic Church to civilization through science and culture. He also calls for the restoration of Vatican political independence to ensure that the Church can freely exercise its responsibilities in the world.

Read the rest here at Catholic Under the Hood

Inscrutabili Dei Consilio

Thanks to Sue Cifelli for sharing.