A political Bystem which stresses the inalienable rights of individuals and society in relation to civilauthorities in the State, guaranteeing the liberty of the individual to act according to the dictates of Christianity. The radical form advocates a republican government; the less radical allows monarchical government with representation of the people. The oldest systems, of Lamennais (died 1854) and Gioberti (died 1852), were condemned by the Church because of revolutionary ideas. Leo XIII laid down the principles of true Christian democracy in his Encyclical "Graves de communi" of January 18, 1901. Christian democracy is opposed to socialism and has no political end, as has political democracy. It teaches respect for all laws and opposes hatred between classes of society. Its principles of political activity were restated by Pius X in his Motu Proprio of October 12, 1903. These principles are embodied in the program of the Catholic political parties of Belgium, France, and Italy, and these parties are designated as Christian democracies.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More