Catholic Social Teaching: 

Rights and Responsibilities

“When one of your kindred is reduced to poverty and becomes indebted to you, you shall support that person …”

-Leviticus 25:35

Every person has basic rights and responsibilities that flow from our human dignity and that belong to us as human beings regardless of any social or political structures. The rights are numerous and include those things that make life truly human. Corresponding to our rights are duties and responsibilities to respect the rights of others and to work for the common good of all.

“We must speak of man’s rights. Man has the right to live. He has the right to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper development of life, particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest, and, finally, the necessary social services. In consequence, he has the right to be looked after.”

-Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, #11 (Peace on Earth)