My wife and our friends recently read and discussed sections of Pope Leo XIII’s timeless encyclical Rerum Novarum. Pope Leo XIV’s name inspired us to reflect on the Leonine Catholic intellectual tradition.

We took interest in Leo XIII’s assertion that private property is the “most fundamental principle … to alleviate the condition of the masses.” This “condition” refers to the plight of workers, where wages do not sufficiently cover the costs of living. This sounds, sadly, all too familiar with our present day, where the high cost of living crisis prevents workers and families from “converting their wages” into buying and owning a home.

Leo XIII taught that ownership goes beyond humanity’s natural right to own property for its own sake but as a necessary ordering principle in society. He adds that this “sacred” principle should be established by law to promote widespread ownership. Politicians, industry leaders and working-class Canadians themselves debate and discuss the importance of housing accessibility and affordability, and the benefits of home ownership for families and society. But how often is the Church’s own voice reflected through this discourse on housing?

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The Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has spoken on housing. Exhortations like this are helpful and necessary, and given the rising interest of the Leonine legacy among Catholics, the CCCB and Catholic charities across Canada have a unique opportunity to refocus attention on home ownership.

The Church’s Leonine voice on home ownership could offer welcome resurgence to Canadians, who are struggling to afford homes. Catholic advocacy on housing affordability and ownership would productively feed into other issues of concern, such as reducing crime exposure for youth. Studies conclusively show home ownership fosters a sense of security and stability, not only for us but also our families. Research indicates youth who grow up in owned and stable homes are less exposed to crime in their communities.

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On the other hand, youth that experience housing instability are at higher risk of exposure to crime and of perpetrating crime themselves. As the high cost of living crisis continues to diminish the power of workers’ wages, and especially their opportunity to purchase a home, it is difficult not to see how a growing nation of renters foments nothing less than a descent into further economic and social instability.

Habitat for Humanity shared a disturbing survey that indicates nearly two-thirds of Canadians (75 per cent of surveyed are renters) sacrifice “other basic needs such as food, clothing, living essentials and education to afford rent or mortgage payments.” After prolonged sacrifice, this way of life takes a great mental and psychological toll and they lose hope in the dream of home ownership.

As well, 74 per cent of Canadians acknowledge “communities are fracturing” because of housing instability. Yet, instead of giving up on the dream of home ownership, 81 per cent still maintain that home ownership leads to a better future for their children, strengthens financial security, creates stability and improves community ties. Regardless of the declining odds of owning a home, Canadians still recognize the benefits of home ownership and want them for their families. 

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These benefits are all in line with Leo XIII’s doctrine on private ownership and the CCCB’s contemporary commentary. The Catholic Church has an opportunity to advocate on these principles in a meaningful way, offering a voice of encouragement to those struggling to secure homes and restoring hope.

All levels of the Church remain key and central social environments for community-building. Whether it is preaching at the pulpit, advocating in the public square or co-reviving the Leonine legacy with our new Pope, Leo XIV, through reading groups or lectures, the Church should promote home ownership, as Leo XIII wrote, for “as many people as possible.” More home ownership means more congregants strengthening ties with their local parishes, instead of moving often. Increased home ownership fosters a sense of belonging. Ownership catalyzes stability, reduces crime exposure for youth and promotes a sense of security and safety in Canada.