Catholic social teaching seeks to apply the essence of Christian moral principles to life in society. It is not an economic or political program, but it offers a powerful way of thinking about what the common good requires.

“Do not expect peace in society without seeking the common good.” “More than a tinge of urgency can be detected…in Pope Francis’ comments on business and economics in his Exhortation, ‘Evangelii Gaudium.'”

It is frustrating that we need to qualify a certain business or investment as being ‘socially responsible’. This qualification implies that most of the other business is socially irresponsible. Indeed, anyone following the financial media will conclude that there is much irresponsibility in the way business is conducted.

I must remind you and me that we are all called to maintain, defend and advocate for the fullness of the Truth, despite the complexity of the issue or the personal cost to do so.

Catholic social teaching, which is a branch of Catholic Moral Theology, contains a set of principles to be used to form our conscience as we impact on the social structures around us. Charity is a theological virtue. It applies to all and involves engaging, directly, those around us who are in need.

There are three fundamental principles of Catholic social teaching, the greatest of which the Church insists is the first: A correct understanding of the human person, which is Human Dignity: this is the prime principle! Then there are Solidarity and Subsidiarity.