Catholic Social Teachings on Solidarity and Preferential for the Poor

The Principle of Solidarity

The principle of solidarity in catholic teaching comprises individuals maintaining their relationship in a world filled with cultural, economic, political, and religious diversity. It entails people being there for each other and doing everything for the benefit of each other. Solidarity encompasses persons being committed to doing good, and everyone is responsible. In the connected relationship within the society, individuals recognize the interdependence and will help the needy in the community. Community is not just who people are but entails what their primary purpose of existence is. Jesus, through his teachings of love and his disciples carrying his message to the world, deliberately formed a community.

Preferential for the Poor

The preferential for poor concept in catholic teachings entail prioritizing concern for the needy by following the example that Jesus Christ had showed earlier towards the poor. It stresses how Jesus Christ was concerned about society’s poor, marginalized, and outcasts by prioritizing visiting them. Old Testament also emphasized that the poor are very special to God. The concept means that the marginalized and vulnerable have to be everyone’s priority. The principle is related to the Felician value of solidarity with the poor as both emphasize poor people’s needs have to be met by efforts and advocacy. The poor people have to be given top consideration in the decisions and actions of Christians.

Pope Francis on Solidarity

In his speech, Pope Francis used the word “fraternity” to emphasize the solidarity between people. He encouraged people to use fraternity that brings them together to not see other people as their rivals or enemies (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2014). Individuals should aim at seeing each other as brothers and sisters who genuinely love each other. He stressed that the way people related determines how they treat each other. Pope Francis noted that people first learn about fraternity in their families, and he thanked parents for instilling the virtue in their children. The family is a significant source of dispersal of love to all parts of the world. He motivated people to recognize the barriers preventing them from realizing their brothers and sisters and overcoming them. The Pope used the analogy of the story of Cain and Abel in the Bible to highlight fraternity. He tells the people that the story teaches Christians to be tied to the calling of fraternity. People’s daily acts of selfishness are the root of many injustices and wars in society.

Pope Francis on Preferential for the Poor

Pope Francis, in his speech, acknowledges the poor people in society. He recognizes that poverty is seen in many communities because there is a lack of robust community and family relationships (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2014). He says that lack of fraternity between people is a significant cause of the existing poverty. The rising state of poorness, marginalization, and isolation has concerned the Pope and other people. There has been a rise in inequality cases between people living in some places. He notes that the promotion of fraternity within the community would be an effective measure to combat poverty. The Pope is concerned about the welfare of the people and is looking for solutions that are crucial in fighting poverty. This concern relates to the preferential option for the poor in Catholic teaching by prioritizing the needs that these people have to undergo. He highlights measures should be laid to have equal rights and access to education, capital, healthcare, and resources regardless of social status. He encourages people to do something about the concerns the poor people have.

Reference

Libreria Editrice Vaticana. (2014). XLVII World Day of Peace 2014 – Fraternity, the Foundation and Pathway to Peace | Francis. Web.