As he continues his catechesis on the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo XIV has turned his attention to the social dimension of the faith. Drawing on Gaudium et Spes, he highlighted the importance of work, the universal destination of goods and the responsibility of political authorities to serve the common good.
Dear brothers and sisters,
in our continuing catechesis on the Second Vatican Council’s
Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, today we reflect on the social dimension of humanity, which is integral not only to our human nature but also to our faith in Christ.
Chapters III and IV of Part II are devoted to socioeconomic life and the political community, with particular emphasis on the theme of peace. From this perspective, the Council Fathers presented the Catholic vision of economic development, placing work at its center. Here, the Council recalls a fundamental principle of Catholic social doctrine, namely, the universal destination of goods.
It then considers the political community, which — whatever its historical form — also exists for the sake of the common good, which must be the aim of the exercise of civil authority.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience,
especially those from England, Ireland, Denmark, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Nigeria, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and the United States of America. In a particular way, I welcome the members of the National Conference of Vocation Directors for
England and Wales. Upon all of you and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
