During the first week of June, a new flag pole will be installed in the circle in front of the main entrance, replacing the one damaged by high winds.
This installation offers an opportunity to reflect on what Catholic Social Teaching says about the role of government and politics in light of our faith. As Catholics, it is vital that our political views be shaped by our religious beliefs—not the other way around. This principle is especially important in today’s climate of deep political divide. Catholic Social Teaching highlights four key principles—human dignity, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity—and envisions the State as a protector of human rights and a promoter of justice, guided by both faith and reason.
These four principles guide political and social life. Human dignity affirms the inherent worth of every person, made in the image of God, forming the basis for all rights and responsibilities. The common good calls for political authority to foster conditions that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Subsidiarity stresses that decisions should be made at the most local competent level, with higher authorities stepping in only when necessary. Solidarity underscores our shared responsibility to care for one another, particularly the poor and vulnerable, recognizing the deep interconnection of all people.
The role of government in Catholic Social Teaching is grounded in the responsibility to protect human and divine rights, as rooted in natural law and the Gospel. The State is called to promote justice by fostering conditions that support the full well-being of all individuals. At the same time, limits on power are essential; both the government and citizens have mutual responsibilities under God’s design. While the Church values social order, it also advocates for a just hierarchy that upholds the dignity of every person, recognizing that not all roles in society are the same but all are deserving of respect.
The Church’s Role in Public Life is rooted in its mission of evangelization, using its social teaching to proclaim God’s salvation and address key aspects of human life such as human rights, family, economics, and peace. It offers moral guidance to public leaders, emphasizing that human dignity is grounded in God’s plan and not subject to arbitrary control. The Church actively defends human rights, particularly religious freedom, and denounces any violation of human dignity as an offense against the Creator. While distinct from the State, the Church advocates for cooperation in areas like education, social justice, and the protection of human life and dignity.
Contemporary Challenges highlight the ongoing relevance of Catholic Social Teaching in today’s world. The Church responds to the erosion of moral values, where truth is often treated as subjective and societal goals are driven by majority rule or rational calculation. It confronts threats to human dignity, such as abortion and euthanasia, with the same resolve once shown in defending workers’ rights. Additionally, the Church urges global solidarity to combat poverty, injustice, and violence across nations. In all of this, Catholic Social Teaching offers a framework for a just society—one where human dignity is upheld, the common good is pursued, and the Church and State work together to ensure all people can flourish.