Social Teaching

”Undergoing death itself for all of us sinners, [Christ] taught us by example that we too must shoulder that cross which the world and the flesh inflict upon those who search after peace and justice.”

A renewed consciousness of the demands of the gospel makes it the Church’s duty to put herself at the service of all...and to convince them that solidarity in action at this turning point in human history is a matter of urgency.” Octagesima Adveniens, 5.1

“Above all, love is greater than sin, than weakness...it is stronger than death; it is a love always ready to raise up and forgive.... This revelation of love is also described as mercy; and in our history this revelation of love and mercy has taken a form and a name: that of Jesus Christ.”

“It becomes increasingly true that the obligations of justice and love are fulfilled only if each person, contributing to the common good, according to his own abilities and the needs of others, also promotes and assists the public and private institutions dedicated to bettering the conditions of human life.”

“[Christ’s] words reveal the secret of God, his plan and his promise, and thereby change the heart of all our destiny. But Christ also carries out this proclamation by innumerable signs, which amaze the crowds and at the same time draw them to him in order to see him, listen to him and allow themselves to be transformed by him: the sick are cured, water is changed into wine, bread is multiplied, the dead come back to life.”

“...[through] Jesus Christ...salvation is offered to all as a gift of God’s grace and mercy...a transcendent and eschatological salvation, which indeed has its beginning in this life but which is fulfilled in eternity.”

“For the Church, evangelising means bringing the good news into all the strata of humanity, and through its influence transforming humanity from within and making it new.”

“Anyone wishing to renounce the difficult yet noble task of improving the lot ...of all people, with the excuse that the struggle is difficult and that constant effort is required, or simply because of the experience of defeat and the need to begin again, that person would be betraying the will of God, the creator.”

“The labours and sufferings which He bore of his own free will have marvelously blunted the edge of all labour and suffering. He has made it easier to endure sorrows, not only by His example, but also by His grace and the hope of everlasting reward which He holds out to us.”