<\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/span><\/h5>\n <\/p>\n
1. What is Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
“Catholic social teaching<\/a><\/span>\u00a0seeks 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, and how\u00a0structures in society<\/a><\/span> can promote or undermine human well-being and the requirements of justice.” (Vincent Cardinal Nichols)<\/a><\/p>\n![\"To](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Pope-Leo-XIV-grid-crop.jpg\")
Pope Leo XIV has taken up the task of calling Catholics to form their consciences by Catholic social teaching<\/p><\/div>\n
These principles<\/a><\/span> underlay evaluation of all political<\/a>, economic<\/a> and cultural<\/a> issues and guide us as to how we can apply them. Knowledge of these principles, in combination with our faith, provides the foundation for us to address current social questions.<\/span><\/p>\nIn a society marked by confused moral values<\/a><\/span>, Catholic social teaching offers consistent moral guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n2. What are the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
There are three key principles of Catholic social teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span>, the greatest of which the Church insists is the first: A correct understanding of the human person embodied in the principle of:<\/span><\/p>\nHuman Dignity<\/a>: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God’s image. This is the prime principle!<\/span><\/p>\nThe other two originate in human dignity:<\/span><\/p>\nSolidarity<\/a><\/span>: “is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> “All men and women are called to live as one, each taking care of the other\u201d. (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> “We are “our brothers\u2019 keeper”.<\/span><\/p>\nSubsidiarity<\/a><\/span>: Decisions in society need to be made at the lowest competent level. The State should undertake only those tasks which are beyond the capacity of individuals or private groups acting independently. Any activity that can be efficaciously performed by a more decentralized entity \u2013 should be.\u00a0(Quadragesimo Anno, 79)<\/a><\/p>\n\nCatholic social teaching addresses the here and now.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n3. What is the \u2018Goal\u2019 of Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The common good<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>: \u201cthe sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily\u201d. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1906)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHowever, the common good is not \u201csimply the sum total of particular interests; rather it involves an assessment and integration of those interests on the basis of a balanced hierarchy of values; ultimately it demands a correct understanding of the dignity and the rights of the person.\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 47)<\/a> Our duty is to continue to insist\u2026that the human person and human dignity are not simply catchwords, but pillars for creating shared rules and structures\u201d.\u00a0<\/span>(Pope Francis, 2)<\/a><\/p>\nAnd, importantly, \u201cThe notion of the common good also extends to future generations\u201d. (Pope Francis, 159)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Pope](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/st.-john-paul-II-grid-cropped-300x214.jpg\")
Pope St. John Paul II wrote extensively about Catholic social teaching and its three principles<\/p><\/div>\n
4. Why Does the Church Give Us These Social Teachings?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
“Where there is no vision, the people perish”. (Proverbs 29:18)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Catholic Church has engaged deeply in reflection and analysis of key societal challenges: what forms of government and economic systems best promote human freedom; the necessity of faith in the public square; the cultural pathologies undermining society and how to address them; the pressing concerns of developing nations; the potential risks of a “welfare state”; and numerous other complex issues confronting modern society.<\/span><\/p>\nIn a world yearning for meaning and moral direction, Catholic social teaching provides a foundation of ethical principles for action. Amid rapid societal changes and often-confused moral values, it offers a consistent framework of guidance, addressing both present challenges and future possibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n5. Where Does the Church’s Authority to Comment on Social Issues Come From?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The authority comes from the apostolic office, given by Jesus Christ himself, to Peter: “[T]he Pope [Leo] did not hesitate to intervene by virtue of his \u2018apostolic office\u2019, that is, on the basis of the mission received from Jesus Christ himself to \u2018feed his lambs and tend his sheep\u2019 and to \u2018bind and loose\u2019 on earth for the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 5)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSpecifically, \u201cIt is an expression of the prophetic task of the supreme pontiffs to give apostolic guidance to the church of Christ\u201d.<\/span> (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/a><\/p>\n\nIn a society marked by confused moral values, Catholic social teaching offers consistent moral guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n6. What is the Source of Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Catholic social teaching \u201cis built on the foundation handed on by the apostles to the Fathers of the Church and then received and further explored by the great Christian doctors…It is attested to by the saints and by those who gave their lives for Christ.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Pope](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Leo_XIII-cropped-.jpg\")
Pope Leo XIII’s landmark encyclical, Rerum Novarum, kicked off Catholic social teaching in the modern world<\/p><\/div>\n
7. Is There a Recognized \u2018Beginning\u2019 to the Church’s Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The beginning of this \u201cexpression of the prophetic task of the supreme pontiffs\u201d is usually traced to Pope Leo XIII and his landmark encyclical in 1891, Rerum Novarum<\/span><\/a>, wherein he condemned the abuses and illusions of unbridled capitalism, socialism and, especially, communism.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201c[I]t cannot be rash to say that Leo’s Encyclical has proved itself the Magna Charta upon which all Christian activity in the social field ought to be based, as on a foundation.” (Pope Pius XI, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n8. Is Catholic Social Teaching \u2018Old\u2019 or \u2018New\u2019?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Catholic social teaching is ever new!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic social teaching seeks \u201cto discern the new demands of evangelization.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/a> <\/span>It is, therefore, at once historical (drawing together its most creative and effective parts – synthesizing the best of what has come before) and contemporary – reflecting on the reality of the social condition it finds.<\/span><\/p>\nThis was demonstrated with the election of Pope Leo XIV wherein by choosing this name the Church captured a unique moment\u2014stepping into a new chapter of modern insight while returning to the very heart of why CST was first proposed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\u201cWhere there is no vision, the people perish\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n9. What Do I Do with Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
For Catholics, this social teaching is a central part of our identity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“The Church, in fact, has something to say about specific human situations, individual and communal, national and international. She formulates a genuine doctrine for these situations, a corpus which enables her to analyze social realities, to make judgments about them and to indicate directions to be taken for the just resolution of the problems involved.” <\/span>(Pope St. John Paul II, 5)<\/a><\/p>\nSo, we must first of all \u2013 learn! Learn how to approach and, more importantly, respond to the key issues facing us in society. Catholic Social Teaching challenges us, the laity, to live our faith, and to transform society with the light of faith. As Pope Francis says: \u201cFaith and service cannot be separated\u2026they are intimately linked, interwoven with each other.\u201d (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Pope](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Pius-XI-1-e1558458509226.jpg\")
Pope Pius XI advanced Catholic social teaching 40 years after Pope Leo’s Rerum Novarum<\/p><\/div>\n
We should use Catholic social teaching to inform your conscience: on which candidates to vote for; what position you should take on immigration reform, tax policy, health care; welfare; etc. Learn how to integrate your work with your private life – not keeping faith isolated to Sunday but, rather, living it fully; reflected in all your roles and responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\nIn fact, Catholic social teaching is so important and comprehensive that Pope St. John Paul II called on lay Catholic leaders to form their consciences on its tenets.<\/span> (Ecclesia in America, 67)<\/a><\/p>\n10. Is Catholic Social Teaching Only for Catholics?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Absolutely not! Catholic social teaching has even \u201cgradually and imperceptibly worked its way into the minds of those outside Catholic unity who do not recognize the authority of the Church. Catholic principles on the social question have as a result, passed little by little into the patrimony of all human society.\u201d (Pope Pius XI, 21)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Origin of Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhy Are There 3 Key Principles in Catholic Social Teaching?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n5 Surprising Things from Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAre there 7 \u201cthemes\u201d of Catholic Social Teaching?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching is not Left or Right<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching vs. Secular Social Theory<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFaith Formation in Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nA Compass for Young Generations<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/what-is-catholic-social-teaching\/” button_text=”More about Catholic Social Teaching” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” 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width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” 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Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Pope Leo XIV has taken up the task of calling Catholics to form their consciences by Catholic social teaching<\/p><\/div>\n These principles<\/a><\/span> underlay evaluation of all political<\/a>, economic<\/a> and cultural<\/a> issues and guide us as to how we can apply them. Knowledge of these principles, in combination with our faith, provides the foundation for us to address current social questions.<\/span><\/p>\n In a society marked by confused moral values<\/a><\/span>, Catholic social teaching offers consistent moral guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n Human Dignity<\/a>: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God’s image. This is the prime principle!<\/span><\/p>\n The other two originate in human dignity:<\/span><\/p>\n Solidarity<\/a><\/span>: “is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> “All men and women are called to live as one, each taking care of the other\u201d. (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> “We are “our brothers\u2019 keeper”.<\/span><\/p>\n Subsidiarity<\/a><\/span>: Decisions in society need to be made at the lowest competent level. The State should undertake only those tasks which are beyond the capacity of individuals or private groups acting independently. Any activity that can be efficaciously performed by a more decentralized entity \u2013 should be.\u00a0(Quadragesimo Anno, 79)<\/a><\/p>\n Catholic social teaching addresses the here and now.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n However, the common good is not \u201csimply the sum total of particular interests; rather it involves an assessment and integration of those interests on the basis of a balanced hierarchy of values; ultimately it demands a correct understanding of the dignity and the rights of the person.\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 47)<\/a> Our duty is to continue to insist\u2026that the human person and human dignity are not simply catchwords, but pillars for creating shared rules and structures\u201d.\u00a0<\/span>(Pope Francis, 2)<\/a><\/p>\n And, importantly, \u201cThe notion of the common good also extends to future generations\u201d. (Pope Francis, 159)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Pope St. John Paul II wrote extensively about Catholic social teaching and its three principles<\/p><\/div>\n The Catholic Church has engaged deeply in reflection and analysis of key societal challenges: what forms of government and economic systems best promote human freedom; the necessity of faith in the public square; the cultural pathologies undermining society and how to address them; the pressing concerns of developing nations; the potential risks of a “welfare state”; and numerous other complex issues confronting modern society.<\/span><\/p>\n In a world yearning for meaning and moral direction, Catholic social teaching provides a foundation of ethical principles for action. Amid rapid societal changes and often-confused moral values, it offers a consistent framework of guidance, addressing both present challenges and future possibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Specifically, \u201cIt is an expression of the prophetic task of the supreme pontiffs to give apostolic guidance to the church of Christ\u201d.<\/span> (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/a><\/p>\n In a society marked by confused moral values, Catholic social teaching offers consistent moral guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Pope Leo XIII’s landmark encyclical, Rerum Novarum, kicked off Catholic social teaching in the modern world<\/p><\/div>\n \u201c[I]t cannot be rash to say that Leo’s Encyclical has proved itself the Magna Charta upon which all Christian activity in the social field ought to be based, as on a foundation.” (Pope Pius XI, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic social teaching seeks \u201cto discern the new demands of evangelization.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/a> <\/span>It is, therefore, at once historical (drawing together its most creative and effective parts – synthesizing the best of what has come before) and contemporary – reflecting on the reality of the social condition it finds.<\/span><\/p>\n This was demonstrated with the election of Pope Leo XIV wherein by choosing this name the Church captured a unique moment\u2014stepping into a new chapter of modern insight while returning to the very heart of why CST was first proposed.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhere there is no vision, the people perish\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n “The Church, in fact, has something to say about specific human situations, individual and communal, national and international. She formulates a genuine doctrine for these situations, a corpus which enables her to analyze social realities, to make judgments about them and to indicate directions to be taken for the just resolution of the problems involved.” <\/span>(Pope St. John Paul II, 5)<\/a><\/p>\n So, we must first of all \u2013 learn! Learn how to approach and, more importantly, respond to the key issues facing us in society. Catholic Social Teaching challenges us, the laity, to live our faith, and to transform society with the light of faith. As Pope Francis says: \u201cFaith and service cannot be separated\u2026they are intimately linked, interwoven with each other.\u201d (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Pope Pius XI advanced Catholic social teaching 40 years after Pope Leo’s Rerum Novarum<\/p><\/div>\n We should use Catholic social teaching to inform your conscience: on which candidates to vote for; what position you should take on immigration reform, tax policy, health care; welfare; etc. Learn how to integrate your work with your private life – not keeping faith isolated to Sunday but, rather, living it fully; reflected in all your roles and responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, Catholic social teaching is so important and comprehensive that Pope St. John Paul II called on lay Catholic leaders to form their consciences on its tenets.<\/span> (Ecclesia in America, 67)<\/a><\/p>\n The Origin of Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Why Are There 3 Key Principles in Catholic Social Teaching?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 5 Surprising Things from Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Are there 7 \u201cthemes\u201d of Catholic Social Teaching?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching is not Left or Right<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching vs. Secular Social Theory<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Faith Formation in Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n A Compass for Young Generations<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/what-is-catholic-social-teaching\/” button_text=”More about Catholic Social Teaching” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
“Catholic social teaching<\/a><\/span>\u00a0seeks 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, and how\u00a0structures in society<\/a><\/span> can promote or undermine human well-being and the requirements of justice.” (Vincent Cardinal Nichols)<\/a><\/p>\n2. What are the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
There are three key principles of Catholic social teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span>, the greatest of which the Church insists is the first: A correct understanding of the human person embodied in the principle of:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
3. What is the \u2018Goal\u2019 of Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The common good<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>: \u201cthe sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily\u201d. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1906)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n4. Why Does the Church Give Us These Social Teachings?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
“Where there is no vision, the people perish”. (Proverbs 29:18)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n5. Where Does the Church’s Authority to Comment on Social Issues Come From?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The authority comes from the apostolic office, given by Jesus Christ himself, to Peter: “[T]he Pope [Leo] did not hesitate to intervene by virtue of his \u2018apostolic office\u2019, that is, on the basis of the mission received from Jesus Christ himself to \u2018feed his lambs and tend his sheep\u2019 and to \u2018bind and loose\u2019 on earth for the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 5)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n
6. What is the Source of Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Catholic social teaching \u201cis built on the foundation handed on by the apostles to the Fathers of the Church and then received and further explored by the great Christian doctors…It is attested to by the saints and by those who gave their lives for Christ.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n7. Is There a Recognized \u2018Beginning\u2019 to the Church’s Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The beginning of this \u201cexpression of the prophetic task of the supreme pontiffs\u201d is usually traced to Pope Leo XIII and his landmark encyclical in 1891, Rerum Novarum<\/span><\/a>, wherein he condemned the abuses and illusions of unbridled capitalism, socialism and, especially, communism.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n8. Is Catholic Social Teaching \u2018Old\u2019 or \u2018New\u2019?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Catholic social teaching is ever new!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n
9. What Do I Do with Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
For Catholics, this social teaching is a central part of our identity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n10. Is Catholic Social Teaching Only for Catholics?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Absolutely not! Catholic social teaching has even \u201cgradually and imperceptibly worked its way into the minds of those outside Catholic unity who do not recognize the authority of the Church. Catholic principles on the social question have as a result, passed little by little into the patrimony of all human society.\u201d (Pope Pius XI, 21)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSign Up For Our Newsletter:<\/h4>\n