📖Overview

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catholic social teaching, rooted in Sacred Scripture and developed through the Church's Tradition, affirms that every human person has inherent dignity as one created in the image and likeness of God. Society must be organized in such a way as to promote the common good, which is defined as "the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily" (CCC 1906). The common good requires respect for the person, the social well-being and development of the group, and peace and security. The principle of subsidiarity holds that a higher-level organization should not take over functions that can be performed effectively at a lower level; decisions should be made as close to the affected persons as possible. The principle of solidarity recognizes the interdependence of all people and calls for a commitment to the good of all and of each individual. The universal destination of goods teaches that the goods of creation are destined for the whole human race, and while private property is legitimate, it carries a social mortgage. The Church teaches the preferential option for the poor, calling Christians to attend first to the needs of the most vulnerable. Justice in economic life requires fair wages, respect for workers' rights, and care for the environment. The Church condemns theft, fraud, unjust wages, and economic exploitation.

💡Key Points