The topic of the scientific part of the second session had been decided by Academicians on November 26, 1994. For short it was called: "The Future of Labour and Labour in the Future". Chaired by Professor Archer, the programme committee first asked Father Schasching, who kindly accepted, to prepare a background document presenting the most important social teachings of the Church on the topic.
In conformity with the pattern decided by the Council, the document was intended to serve as a reference for all speakers. It was ready in the sumrner 1995, which was far enough in advance. The programme committee itself could then use the document in order to select the subjects of the various papers and to solicit authors.
The reception was good; papers were distributed in advance and studied by Academicians, who had time to think about their comments. The outcome is precisely what appears in the proceedings.
Edmond Malinvaud