Pope Leo XIII's encyclical, Rerum Novarum, was released in response to the significant social changes occurring during the Industrial Revolution, which introduced stark disparities in wealth and living conditions. The document articulated the Church's position on the interplay between labor rights and property rights. It highlighted the dignity of the worker, advocating for just wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working environments. Furthermore, it recognized the right to form labor unions, hence promoting solidarity among workers. Concurrently, Pope Leo XIII defended the right to private property as essential to human dignity and economic stability. The encyclical was groundbreaking, as it acknowledged the needs and rights of workers, contrasting the exploitative practices that were prevalent in many industries of the time. As such, Rerum Novarum marked an important shift in Catholic doctrine, moving toward a just social order. This encyclical was also a direct response to the widespread socialist movements that threatened the perceived stability of the existing economic order.