Social Justice

Social justice is the respect for the human person and the rights that flow from human dignity — and the obligation to build social conditions in which every person can reach their proper fulfillment. Society must provide the conditions that allow people to obtain what is their due according to their nature and vocation (CCC 1928, 1931).

Grounded in Human Dignity

Catholic social justice is grounded in the conviction that every human being — regardless of race, sex, age, or social status — possesses an inalienable dignity as someone made in the image of God. This dignity is the foundation of all rights and the source of the obligation to build a just social order (CCC 1929–1930).

The Common Good

Social justice requires attention to the common good — the sum of social conditions that allow groups and individuals to reach their fulfillment more fully and easily. The common good demands respect for the person, the social well-being and development of the group, and peace (CCC 1906).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Catholic social justice the same as political progressivism? No. Catholic social justice is not identical to any political party's platform. The Church's social teaching includes both traditional values (the sanctity of human life, the family) and concerns commonly associated with the political left (care for the poor, rights of workers). It consistently challenges all ideologies from the perspective of the Gospel (CCC 2419–2425).

What is the principle of subsidiarity? Subsidiarity is the Catholic social principle that decisions should be made at the lowest level of society capable of handling them. Higher authorities should not take over what lower communities can do themselves — but should step in when those communities fail (CCC 1883–1885).