| Mater et magistra Latin for 'Mother and Teacher' Encyclical of Pope John XXIII | |
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| Signature date | 15 May 1961 |
| Subject | On the increasing development of social issues in the light of the Christian doctrine |
| Number | 5 of 8 of the pontificate |
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| Part of a series on |
| Catholic social teaching |
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| Overview |
 Catholicism portal |
Mater et magistra is the encyclical written by Pope John XXIII on the topic of "Christianity and Social Progress". It was promulgated on 15 May 1961. The title means "mother and teacher", referring to the role of the church. It describes a necessity to work towards authentic community in order to promote human dignity. It taught that the state must sometimes intervene in matters of health care, education, and housing.