Abstract
Human rights are understood today as one of the foundational elements of Catholic social teaching. The official positions of the Catholic doctrinal statements have, however, undergone a remarkable development since the 18th century, when the modern conception of human rights was formulated.
This essay deals with the theme of „Human Rights and Catholic Social Teaching“ from both historical and systematic-theological perspectives. First, an overview of the historical reception of human rights within Catholic social teaching (and primarily within the papal pronouncements) will be provided.
Then, basic guidelines for the theological interpretation of this historical development will be presented. In conclusion, the specific understanding of human rights in Catholic social teaching will be systematically considered.