The Social Doctrine of the Church: Principles and Values

Mission of Jesus

The Gospel demonstrates that Jesus was not indifferent to the needs of the vulnerable. He fought against hypocrisy, the abuse of power, and the profit motive of the wealthy. He denounced indifference toward the suffering of the oppressed, noting that those responsible will be held accountable when He returns to judge the world. Jesus proclaimed an essential equality in dignity among all human beings, both men and women. In His message, we find the conception of the person as a social being, correlating with criteria based on solidarity, justice, and charity. Gospel values relate to the origin and nature of authority, which must be exercised as a service to the common good.

Mission of the Church

The Church, continuing the mission initiated by Jesus, applies and develops the principles contained in the Gospels. By moving within the structures of civil society, it seeks to humanize them with a spirit of justice and charity. The Fathers of the Church not only defended the poor but also promoted social institutions such as hospitals, orphanages, hospices, and schools during an era when civilian institutions were barely addressing these needs. Through the work of the Church, customs that violated human dignity, the right to life, and the rights of women—as well as the practice of slavery—have been challenged and abolished.

Human Dignity

Dignity is based on the fact that humanity is created in the image and likeness of God and elevated to a supernatural end that transcends this life. The person, being intelligent and free, and subject to rights and duties, is the heart and soul of the Church's social doctrine.

The Person as the Core of Society

The person is the center of society; therefore, all social structures must be designed to ensure that individuals can develop their inherent powers and fulfill their legitimate desires for perfection and happiness.

Fundamental Principles

• The Common Good: Directed at the integrated development of all persons.
• The Principle of Solidarity: Each person is inextricably tied to the salvation and well-being of all humanity.
• The Principle of Participation: Requires that individuals and organizations engage in the management of activities, overcoming individualistic designs.
• The Universal Destination of Goods: The goods of the earth are destined for the use of all. The right to private property, while legitimate, must be circumscribed within the limits imposed by its social function.

Core Values

The core values of the Church's social doctrine are: truth, freedom, justice, solidarity, peace, and charity.