In the social teachings of the Catholic Church, the “Principle of the Common Good” tells us that human dignity is most fully expressed and recognized within the context of community. Jesus, in prayer to his Father, prayed that “they may be one . . . even as we are one” (Jn 17:21-22), thus grounding the faithful in profound interrelationship. All people, redeemed by the life and death of Jesus, share a common God, a common human relationship that obliges us to be “our brother’s keeper” (Gn 4:9).

The common good is understood as the social conditions that allow people to reach their full human potential and to realize their human dignity. Concern for the whole rather than the individual creates harmony, balance and peace within and among groups, families, neighbors, regions and nations.