What is Catholic social teaching?

Faith that changes society

"whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). The Gospel is personal, but never private. The Church teaches about economics, politics and social life because these affect human dignity (CCC 2419).

Where it comes from

Modern Catholic social teaching began with Pope Leo XIII's encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891) on the rights of workers, and continues through documents such as Pacem in Terris (1963), Centesimus Annus (1991), Caritas in Veritate (2009) and Laudato Si' (2015).

Key principles

• Human dignity — every person is made in God's image, from conception to natural death.
• The common good — the conditions that allow all people to flourish (CCC 1905).
• Solidarity — we are one human family; "love your neighbour" has no borders.
• Subsidiarity — decisions should be made at the most local appropriate level; higher bodies support rather than replace families and communities.
• Preferential option for the poor — the needs of the poor and vulnerable come first (CCC 2443).
• Dignity of work — just wages, safe conditions, and the right to organize.
• Care for creation — stewardship of the earth for future generations.

Not left or right

Catholic social teaching does not fit neatly into any political party. It challenges both individualism and collectivism, and asks Catholics to form their consciences by the whole of it.

Living it

Volunteer, give generously, buy and invest ethically, treat employees and colleagues justly, and pray for leaders — "to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).