Universal Destination of Goods
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Teaching
One of the four defining principles of social teaching:Acess to the necessities for a life of basic dignity is a human right. "God intended the earth and all that it contains for the use of every human being and people ... All other rights whatsoever, including those of property and of free trade, are to be subordinated to this principle." Pope Paul VI, Populorum Progressio (The Development of Peoples), 1967
The principle of the universal destination of goods holds that the earth's goods should be distributed fairly among all the people of the earth. God has provided for all people to have their basic needs met if we share the earth's goods fairly.This principle is an invitation to develop an economic vision inspired by moral values that permit people not to lose sight of the origin or purpose of these goods: to bring about a world of fairness and solidarity. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, no. 171, 174
"Property, especially when it affects natural resources, must always serve the needs of the people." Pope Francis
The universal destination of goods is "the first principle of the whole ethical and social order." St. John Paul II
"But God said to him, "You fool, this life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?"(Luke 12:20).COMMENTARY
Fr. John Donahue: "The rich man did not realize that the fruits of his harvest were 'on loan' from God and not to be used for his own gratification."
St. Basil the Great: "You who have wealth, recognize who has given you the gifts you have received. Consider yourself, who you are, what has been committed to your charge, from whom you have received it, why you have been preferred to most other people. Take decisions regarding your property as though it belonged to another."