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Introduction to Catholic social teaching
Human dignity, common good, solidarity, subsidiarity.
Social doctrine applies the Gospel to structures and systems. It begins with the dignity of every human person made in God’s image and unfolds principles for just peace and economic life.
Life and dignity
From conception to natural death, life is sacred. Dignity grounds rights and duties, not utility or productivity.
Common good and subsidiarity
The common good is conditions for all to flourish. Higher communities should not absorb what lower ones can do (subsidiarity), yet must serve justice when local action fails.
Solidarity and care for creation
We are one human family. Stewardship of the earth and preferential care for the poor flow from baptismal communion.