Centrality of the Human Person: That each may contribute to the common good and to the building of a society that places the human person at the center.
Made in the image of God and redeemed by the Son of God, each person is sacred. The individual ought to be at the center of society which protects and fosters the dignity of each.
From this reality arises “the common good” which the Catechism says “concerns the life of all” and consists in “what is needed to lead a truly human life: food, clothing, health, work, education and culture, suitable information, the right to establish a family, and so on.” Because human beings are social by nature, “the good of each individual is necessarily related to the common good, which in turn can be defined only in reference to the human person.”
Unfortunately the world does not operate in this way. In many places the power, wealth, and comfort of some come before the common good and the sanctity of human life. Addressing this situation in his Exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis wrote: “The dignity of each human person and the pursuit of the common good are concerns which ought to shape all economic policies.”
He went on to say that only openness to God will bring about the necessary change: “It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education, and healthcare. Why not turn to God and ask him to inspire their plans? I am firmly convinced that openness to the transcendent can bring about a new political and economic mindset which would help to break down the wall of separation between the economy and the common good of society.”
Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love God and to love one’s neighbor. We pray with Pope Francis that all may live that commandment by placing God’s beloved creature, the human person, at the center and work for the common good of all.