Q&A …

… Catholicism and Socialism: Comrades or Enemies? – Catholic World Report. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)

[Pope Pius IX] said that if socialism is defined broadly enough to just be “concern for the poor” then it’s not really socialism. He commends the “just demands” of these socialists (such as stronger unions and worker protections), but also said that their advocacy is unnecessary because there is “nothing in them now which is inconsistent with Christian truth, and much less are they special to socialism. Those who work solely toward such ends have, therefore, no reason to become socialists” (115).

Those of us who were taught Catholic social doctrine in school know this.