THE POPE AND THE WORKING CLASSES.

New Zealand Tablet, 15 May 1919, Page 13

THE POPE AND THE WORKING CLASSES.

mmmmMSSamP One of the sure consequences of the various movements ; now ? ragitating, the world will be } the"' assertion of their power to a "far greater extent, by the masses of the toilers (says the ; London ■ Catholic Times). Hitherto the work of government has been carried on nearly altogether by .classes who because of their birth and their wealth assumed the right to rule. - ; i Henceforth no class or section of the people will hold a privileged position. The right to govern ‘‘ will be decided by capacity, by. merit, and the workers, the vast majority of the citizens, will shape the destinies of nations. This means that nations are beginning to undergo profound changes, social, industrial, political. How will the Church fare ;: in the new world ; that is coming into being? The • Church work is the.;; saving of 'souls, and she can perform it successfully whatever the form of government, but, needless -'to say, it is important that all—the workers no less than others—should clearly understand that hex’ sympathies go out to those who are struggling for justice. Accordingly, when his Holiness Benedict XV. the other day addressed words of encouragement to representatives of Labor, advised them to study the Labor Encyclical for practical . purposes, and assured them that his heart went out to those who organise unions and those who take part in them, he gave to the Labor world a message which cannot fail to benefit the Church in the new conditions that axe arising. It will stimulate Catholics everywhere to greater social activity and gain for them the co-operation of many who differ from them in creed.