Henry Edward Manning - Influence On Social Justice Teaching

Influence On Social Justice Teaching

Cardinal Manning was very influential in setting the direction of the modern Catholic Church. His warm relations with Pope Leo XIII and his ultramontane views gained him the trust of the Vatican. He was among the strongest supporters of the doctrine of papal infallibility, unlike Cardinal Newman, who believed the doctrine but thought it might not be prudent to formally define it at the time. Manning used this goodwill to promote a modern Roman Catholic view of social justice. These views are reflected in the papal encyclical Rerum Novarum issued by Leo XIII. It is the beginning of modern Roman Catholic social justice teaching.

For a comparison of Manning and Newman, see the section entitled "Newman and Manning" in the article on Cardinal Newman.

Cardinal Manning was instrumental in settling the London Dock Strike of 1889. He had a significant role in the conversion of notable figures, including Elizabeth Belloc, the mother of the famous British author, Hilaire Belloc, upon whose thinking Manning had a profound influence.

When Cardinal Manning died his estate was probated at £3,527. His funeral was the largest seen in Victorian London, and he received a formal burial at St Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery Kensal Green. Some years later, in 1907, his remains and those of fellow Cardinal Newman were transferred from St Mary's Cemetery to the newly completed Westminster Cathedral.