Catholic Social Teaching

Although the Church’s social doctrine was formally articulated relatively recently, Christianity has reflected on social life from its earliest days. The Church understands Catholic Social Teaching as an extension of moral theology. It offers principles that guides Christians living in their daily lives. Traditionally, this teaching is summarized in seven central themes: the life and dignity of the human person; the call to family, community, and participation; rights and responsibilities; the option for the poor and vulnerable; the dignity of work and the rights of workers; solidarity; and care for God’s creation.

Many scholars point to the encyclical Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII as the beginning of the modern articulation of these ideas. Yet the principles themselves reach much further back. Their foundations are rooted in Scripture and in the earliest reflections of Christian theology.

Solidarity

In theory, most people recognize that human beings owe one another a certain degree of support simply because they share a common humanity. Living according to that principle, however, can be far more challenging. Despite these difficulties, there remains a widespread sense that human life is interconnected. Individuals bear responsibility for one another.

Many religious traditions acknowledge a similar idea, but Christianity develops the concept in a distinctive way. Rather than simply recognizing a shared human condition, Christian theology connects solidarity with God’s plan for humanity and the relationships that bind people together within that plan.

Biblical Roots of Solidarity

The word “solidarity” does not appear in the Bible, but the concept runs throughout its narrative. It shapes both the moral obligations Christians have toward others and the broader story of salvation.

An early example appears in Genesis 12, when God establishes a covenant with Abram. God promises blessings for Abram’s faithfulness, but the promise does not remain confined to Abram’s family alone. Genesis 12:3 explains that this blessing will extend to, “All the families of the earth.” The covenant therefore carries a universal purpose, drawing others into the relationship God begins with Abram.

The New Testament continues this theme. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls “peacemakers” the “children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Those who reconcile and unite others reflect God’s own character. Likewise, Paul the Apostle emphasizes the deep unity among believers by comparing the Church to a single body in 1 Corinthians 12:12–26. Just as the parts of a body affect one another, so too the actions of individuals influence the entire community, whether for good or for harm.

Subsidiarity

Another essential principle of Catholic Social Teaching is subsidiarity. As the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church explains, “Subsidiarity is among the most constant and characteristic directives of the Church’s social doctrine” (paragraph 185). This principle flows directly from the dignity of each human person.

Subsidiarity emphasizes the importance of small, foundational communities within society. Social life begins in the family and extends outward to neighborhoods and local communities. These relationships form the basic structure of society itself. As the Compendium explains, “This network of relationships strengthens the social fabric and constitutes the basis of a true community of persons” (ibid.). For this reason, subsidiarity stands alongside the other themes that make up Catholic Social Teaching.

Biblical Roots of Subsidiarity

The biblical roots of subsidiarity appear at the very beginning of the human story. In Genesis 2:18, God declares that “It is not good for man to be alone.” The creation of woman from Adam’s side highlights the relational nature of human life. People are created not for isolation but for communion with others.

Soon afterward, Genesis 4:9 presents the haunting question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Though asked in defiance, the question reveals an enduring truth: human beings are responsible for one another.

The theme continues in the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:25–37). Here, Jesus addresses the question, “Who is my neighbor?”

The story shows that the person directly before us in need is the one we are called to help. Likewise, the First Epistle of John teaches that love for God cannot be separated from love for one’s neighbor (1 John 4:19–21). Together, these passages emphasize the importance of relationships within close communities where care and responsibility are most immediate.

Subsidiarity and Solidarity Today

Both subsidiarity and solidarity have renewed importance in an age marked by increasing loneliness and social fragmentation. Subsidiarity reminds us that human dignity is closely tied to relationships, especially those found in families and local communities. Through these relationships people discover purpose, meaning, and a sense of belonging.

Catholic Social Teaching ultimately seeks the flourishing of individuals and society by strengthening these bonds. Christian theology reflects on these principles so that believers can apply them in concrete ways.

Recent popes have emphasized solidarity as particularly important in the modern world. In Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, Pope John Paul II described solidarity as “a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good” (no. 38). Pope Benedict XVI highlighted its economic dimension in Caritas in Veritate, writing that “the consumer has a specific social responsibility” (no. 66). Similarly, Pope Francis connected solidarity with environmental responsibility in Laudato Si’, noting that the use or misuse of natural resources affects others, particularly the poor and “Developing countries” (no. 52, 158).

Most recently, Pope Leo XIV encouraged greater solidarity and harmony between men and women, affirming that both are “equal” in dignity and deserving of respect. Together, these teachings remind Christians that concern for others is not optional but central to living out the faith.