In this encyclical, Paul VI applies the teachings of the Second Vatican Council to the specific social problem of development.
Development is the new name for peace'.
Paul VI invites us to re-examine the concept of development so that not only material aspects are considered but also the spiritual and human dimensions, which include everyone. The present situation of the world, from the point of view of development, offers a rather negative impression. We have to ask ourselves if the sad reality of today might not be, at least in part, the result of a too narrow idea of development, that is, a mainly economic one. In the East there exists a system inspired by the Marxist collectivism. However, in this overview of the contemporary world, there are also positive aspects.