Pacem in Terris

Of course, the support and education of children is a right which belongs primarily to the parents. ^{13Cf. Pius XI's encyclical letter Casti connubii, AAS 22 (1930) 539-592, and Pius XII's broadcast message, Christmas 1942, AAS 35 (1943) 9-24.}

In the economic sphere, it is evident that a man has the inherent right not only to be given the opportunity to work, but also to be allowed the exercise of personal initiative in the work he does. ^{14Cf. Pius XII's broadcast message, Pentecost, June 1 ,1941, AAS 33 (1941) 201.}

The conditions in which a man works form a necessary corollary to these rights. They must not be such as to weaken his physical or moral fibre, or militate against the proper development of adolescents to manhood. Women must be accorded such conditions of work as are consistent with their needs and responsibilities as wives and mothers.^{15Cf. Leo XIII's encyclical letter Rerum novarum, Acta Leonis XIII, XI, 1891, pp. 128-129.}

A further consequence of man's personal dignity is his right to engage in economic activities suited to his degree of responsibility.^{16Cf John XXIII's encyclical letter Mater et Magistra, AAS 53 (1961) 422.} The worker is likewise entitled to a wage that is determined in accordance with the precepts of justice. This needs stressing. The amount a worker receives must be sufficient, in proportion to available funds, to allow him and his family a standard of living consistent with human dignity. Pope Pius XII expressed it in these terms: "Nature imposes work upon man as a duty, and man has the corresponding natural right to demand that the work he does shall provide him with the means of livelihood for himself and his children. Such is nature's categorical imperative for the preservation of man."^{17Cf. Pius XII's broadcast message, Pentecost, June 1, 1941, AAS 33 (1941) 201.}

As a further consequence of man's nature, he has the right to the private ownership of property, including that of productive goods. This, as We have said elsewhere, is "a right which constitutes so efficacious a means of asserting one's personality and exercising responsibility in every field, and an element of solidity and security for family life, and of greater peace and prosperity in the State."^{18John XXIII's encyclical letter Mater et Magistra, AAS 53 (1961) 428.}