Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching

“The theological dimension is needed both for interpreting and for solving
present day problems in human society.”

– Blessed John Paul II, Centesimus Annus, “Hundredth Year”

The Catholic Church’s social teaching provides us with a framework for how to build a just society and live our personal call to holiness despite the challenges of modern society. It is a tool of evangelization that proclaims God and His mystery of salvation in Christ to every human being, and through this act, reveals man to himself.

Only through Christ's light does the Church begin to understand and act upon issues concerning human rights, workers’ rights, war and peace, marriage and family, and the duties of the State.

Catholic social teaching draws from a long tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of Catholic social tradition can be best understood by taking the time to read these documents.

Below are links to Catholic social teaching resources, including a list of seven central themes. These themes inform when and how the Church speaks on issues of public policy, and serves as a guide for determining what we as Catholics should and should not faithfully support in the public square.

Our Advocacy Areas briefly explain how Catholic social teaching principles should animate every Catholic’s participation in key public policy areas of interest for the Church.

Essential Background

• 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teachings
• Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
• Major Documents of Catholic Social Teaching list
• "Living the Gospel of Life"
• Quotes from Pope Francis
• CST Videos (USCCB and Catholic Relief Services)

• catholic social teaching