The Catholic Church addresses justice, authority, and diplomacy through its teachings and actions, emphasizing the importance of these elements in fostering peace, human dignity, and the common good 1 2.

The Church and Justice

The Church views justice as a fundamental component of a well-ordered society and a necessary condition for peace 3 4 2.

• Foundation of Peace: True peace and harmony require working towards a more just and integrated society, overcoming selfish, individualistic, and group interests 1.
• Promotion of Justice: The Church promotes justice by advocating for the dignity of every human being and ensuring access to basic necessities such as food, water, housing, medical care, and education 5.
• Role of the Faithful: The Church invites the faithful to be good citizens, contributing to the common good while also expecting the State to guarantee the full exercise of their faith with respect for religious freedom 6.
• Justice and Charity: Justice is seen as a minimal requirement and an expectation of charity, both indispensable for the Church to realize its identity as a community of love 4.

The Church and Authority

The Church recognizes the necessity of legitimate authority for the functioning of human society and the promotion of the common good 3 7.

• Divine Origin: Authority has a divine origin and calls individuals, families, social groups, and states to live out relations of justice and solidarity 1.
• Universal Public Authority: The Church supports the establishment of a universal public authority, developed through mutual agreement rather than imposition, to safeguard security, ensure justice, and respect rights on behalf of all 7.
• Limits of Authority: This universal authority should not limit the sphere of action of individual political communities but rather create an environment where these communities can fulfill their duties and exercise their rights with greater security 7.
• Serving the Common Good: The purpose of any public authority is to serve the common good, equipped with the necessary structures and mechanisms to fulfill this mission, especially in a globalized world 8.
• Formation of Conscience: Legitimate authority should promote the proper formation of personal conscience, encouraging obedience to laws based on truth in social and personal relations 3.

The Church and Diplomacy

The Church engages in diplomacy to promote human dignity, defend fundamental rights, and foster a culture of life and harmony 2.

• Defense of Human Rights: The Church actively defends human rights in international forums, promoting values that give dignity to human life 2.
• Ethical Duties: Solidarity among various groups and promoting a culture of life are seen as unavoidable ethical duties for individuals and institutions 2.
• Role of International Organizations: The Church recognizes that international organizations can play a vital role in addressing worldwide problems and promoting peaceful coexistence 7.
• Addressing Global Issues: In a globalized world, the Church advocates for international cooperation to address issues such as speculative financial markets that harm weaker countries 8.
• Dialogue and Cooperation: The Church promotes solutions to problems through dialogue with legitimate civil authorities, while also standing firm against undue interference in matters of faith and Church discipline 6.

In summary, the Church's teachings and actions regarding justice, authority, and diplomacy are rooted in its commitment to promoting human dignity, the common good, and a just and peaceful society. It advocates for a balanced approach where legitimate authorities serve the common good, human rights are protected, and international cooperation addresses global challenges.