Joshua Bennett
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church in the world, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised members worldwide as of 2025. The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed, which states that Catholics believe in one God, the Father, and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son. The Catholic Church teaches that it is the one true church and that its founder is Jesus Christ. Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that human life is sacred. The Church's social teachings emphasise the dignity of the human person, the sanctity of human life, the commitment to peace, the protection of human rights and the environment, and the common good of society.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sanctity of human life | Dignity of the human person |
| Commitment to peace | Solidarity |
| Protection of the environment | Stewardship of creation |
| Provision of essential services | Commitment to the common good |
| Respect for truth | Freedom |
| Belief in one God | Belief in the Holy Spirit |
| Belief in the Bible as the word of God | Belief in the Eucharist |
| Belief in the forgiveness of sins | Belief in the resurrection of the dead |
| Belief in the saints' intercession | Belief in the Church as the "one true church" |
| Belief in Jesus Christ as the founder of the Church | Belief in the pope as the chief pastor of the Church |
| Belief in the Great Commission |
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What You'll Learn
The sanctity of human life
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred, and this belief is the foundation of all the principles of Catholic social teaching. This belief is derived from the understanding that human beings are created in the image of God (Gn 1:27). The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "every individual, precisely by reason of the mystery of the Word of God who was made flesh (cf. Jn 1:14), is entrusted to the maternal care of the Church".
Furthermore, the Catholic Church also condemns euthanasia, cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty as threats to the sanctity of human life. The Church teaches that human dignity is of utmost importance and that people are more important than things. This belief extends to the protection of human rights and the fulfilment of responsibilities to one another, our families, and society at large.
The Catholic Church also emphasizes the importance of social justice and equality, condemning excessive economic and social disparities that affect the dignity and well-being of individuals. The Church promotes peace and calls for nations to protect the right to life by preventing and resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
In summary, the Catholic value of the sanctity of human life is deeply rooted in the belief that human life is sacred and that all individuals possess inherent dignity as creations of God. This value guides Catholics in their social teachings and interactions, emphasizing the importance of protecting and upholding the value of every human life.
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The dignity of the individual
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the basis of all the principles of Catholic social teaching. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "their equal dignity as persons demands that we strive for fairer and more humane conditions".
The Church teaches that human dignity is given freely to all human beings, regardless of their status or beliefs. It is a central aspect of the Church's social teaching, and all other rights and responsibilities flow from this dignity. Human dignity is something very important in the eyes of God, and it is reflected in the way we treat each other. The Church teaches that we should deal with each other with a sense of awe, recognising the mystery of God made flesh in each person.
The social teaching principle of human dignity recognises that each of us is made in God's image. This belief is shared by International Human Rights, which also upholds the universal, inviolable, and inalienable dignity of all people. The Church teaches that social justice is founded on firm scriptural foundations, with God saying, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness" (Genesis 1:26).
The Church also teaches that human dignity is intimately connected with the sanctity of human life, from conception to natural death. This belief is reflected in the Church's opposition to abortion, euthanasia, cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the death penalty. The Church also condemns the intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks and calls for nations to work towards peace and the resolution of conflicts by peaceful means.
The Catholic understanding of human dignity also extends to social and economic dimensions. The Church teaches that human dignity is affected by how society is organised in terms of economics, politics, law, and policy. The Church emphasises the importance of protecting human rights and providing essential services to all, such as food, housing, work, education, access to culture and transportation, and basic healthcare. These are seen as fundamental human rights that contribute to the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
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The common good
The Catholic Church upholds several values and principles, many of which are rooted in the belief that human life is sacred and that every individual possesses an inherent dignity that stems from being made in God's image. This belief forms the basis of Catholic social teaching, which emphasizes the importance of seeking the common good.
According to Catholic social teaching, the common good is achieved through solidarity, which is a moral virtue that involves a firm determination to work for the good of all individuals and society as a whole. This includes a commitment to peace, sound juridical systems, environmental protection, and the provision of essential services such as food, housing, work, education, healthcare, and freedom of communication, expression, and religion.
In summary, the common good is a central principle in Catholic social teaching, reflecting the belief that society should be organized in a way that upholds human dignity and promotes the well-being of all its members, especially the most vulnerable.
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Solidarity
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that:
> "An error, today abundantly widespread, is disregard for the law of human solidarity and charity, dictated and imposed both by our common origin and by the equality in rational nature of all men, whatever nation they belong to. This law is sealed by the sacrifice of redemption offered by Jesus Christ on the altar of the Cross to his heavenly Father, on behalf of sinful humanity." (CCC, 1939)
Pope Francis has emphasised that solidarity is not merely about sporadic acts of generosity, but rather, it is about "thinking and acting in terms of community". It is about recognising that we are all part of a single human family, and that we have a duty of care towards one another, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Parishes are called to help those who suffer in their communities and beyond, resisting the "immorality of isolationism". This means not turning a blind eye to those affected by poverty caused by structural injustice, such as debt, ethnic conflicts, and the arms trade.
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The Bible as the word of God
Catholicism is a Christian tradition with a rich history and a comprehensive worldview. At the heart of Catholic values and principles is a profound reverence for the Bible as the Word of God. Catholics regard the Bible as divinely inspired and view it as the ultimate source of spiritual truth and guidance. This belief in the Bible as God's Word is deeply intertwined with the Catholic understanding of God, the world, and humanity's purpose.
The Catholic Church holds that the Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but the living Word of God, relevant and applicable to people's lives today. This belief is rooted in the understanding that God is not distant or disconnected from creation but actively involved in the world and personally invested in the lives of individuals. Through the Scriptures, Catholics believe God communicates divine wisdom, reveals God's character, and sets forth principles for living a righteous and meaningful life.
The Bible, for Catholics, serves as the foundation for their faith and the framework for their values. It is through the Scriptures that Catholics come to know God, understand God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, and learn about their role in God's ongoing work in the world. Central to Catholic doctrine is the belief in the Trinity—one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This doctrine is firmly established in Scripture, particularly in the New Testament.
Catholics also uphold the authority of the Church's apostolic tradition, which they believe is intertwined with Scripture. This tradition includes the oral teachings of Jesus passed down through the apostles and their successors. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, a comprehensive summary of Catholic doctrine, is rooted in Scripture and tradition, providing guidance on moral issues and shaping Catholic values.
The Bible's teachings shape Catholic values in numerous ways. For instance, the dignity of human life is a core Catholic value derived from the belief that humans are created in the image of God (imago Dei). This value underpins Catholic stances on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty. Similarly, the Bible's emphasis on love and compassion forms the basis for Catholic values of solidarity, social justice, and care for the marginalized.
In conclusion, for Catholics, the Bible is more than just a sacred text—it is the living Word of God, providing spiritual nourishment, ethical guidance, and a roadmap for living a life that aligns with God's purposes. The Scriptures are not static but are brought to life through the Holy Spirit, the Church's tradition, and their application in the lives of believers.
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Frequently asked questions
The core beliefs of the Catholic Church are found in the Nicene Creed. This includes the belief in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. Catholics also believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Catholic Social Teaching is based on the belief that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This includes the commitment to peace, the protection of human rights, and the common good. Catholics are also called to protect people and the planet, as care for the earth is a requirement of their faith.
Catholics believe that holy men and women who have come before them still pray for them and aid them. They are called saints, and many Catholic churches are named after them. When Catholics pray to saints, they ask for their intercession, so that God hears their prayers.
The Mass is a celebration of the Last Supper of Jesus or the Eucharist, which is derived from the Greek word for 'thanksgiving'. During the Mass, Catholics receive Holy Communion, which is believed to be the real presence of Jesus in the form of bread and wine. The Eucharist is a sacrifice of Christ on the cross and a re-enactment of the Last Supper.
