Annotated Encyclical On the Christian Constitution of States (Immortale Dei) by Pope Leo XIII

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This extremely important 1885 encyclical beautifully explains the necessity and proper understanding of the Union of Church and State. Most modern men (including many Catholics) think that Church and State are supposed to be completely separated. Pope Leo very clearly and convincingly shows that nothing could be farther from the truth! The student learns what the Catholic Church has taught for centuries: that the Church and State must work closely together for the common good of society and for the salvation of souls. Civil governments have a solemn duty to support the Catholic Church in Her (incomparably more important) mission of saving souls. This is not only excellent for religion class, but also for Catholics civics.