The Pope and the Economist: Human Action in the Thought of John Paul II and Ludwig Von Mises

In this newly translated and revised book Father Jacek Gniadek, SVD, develops a unique synthesis of the thought of the Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises and Pope John Paul II. This theological and moral analysis of the logic of human action informed by a theological vision of the acting person establishes the fundamental social nature of entrepreneurship, private ownership, and the market economy and defines the proper role of both market and state as well as morality and economics.

“Mainstream economics does not fit well with Catholic doctrine. The models of perfect markets inhabited by homines oeconomici seem to be a slippery slope into materialism and reductionism. Is there any other way to connect the theories of marginal utility, of money, of market prices, and of capital accumulation with the freedom of wretched sinners, with the realities of family and community, with gifts and sacrifice? Fr. Jacek Gniadek, a doctor of moral theology, has given much thought to this question. He has concluded that economics is not irretrievably lost. There is at least one school of economic thought–Austrian economics–which can be integrated into the larger edifice of Catholic theology and anthropology. In the present book, Dr. Gniadek makes his case by studying and comparing the ideas of John Paul II and Ludwig von Mises. The result can only be called eye-opening. The Pope and the Economist should be read by all Catholics and all economists. Mandatory reading for all students and teachers of the Social Doctrine of the Church.”

 Jörg Guido Hülsmann
Professor of Economics at the University of Angers and Senior Fellow at the Ludwig von Mises Institute

“An intriguing contribution to John Paul II studies that will shock some and enlighten many.”

George Weigel
Distinguished Senior Fellow and William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies
Ethics and Public Policy Center