The principle of the common good reminds us that we are all really responsible
for each other – we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers
- and must work for social conditions which ensure that every person and
every group in society is able to meet their needs and realize their potential.
It follows that every group in society must take into account the rights
and aspirations of other groups, and the well being of the whole human
family.
Related to this is the principle of the universal destination of goods
- God intended the goods of creation for the use of all, and so everyone
has a right to access the goods of creation to meet their needs.
Writing in 1965, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council already understood
the relevance of this principle not only to small communities or nations,
but the whole international community:
“Every day human interdependence
grows more tightly drawn and spreads by degrees over the whole world.
As a result the common good, that is, the sum of those conditions of
social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively
thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment, today takes on
an
increasingly universal complexion and consequently involves rights
and duties with respect to the whole human race. Every social group must
take
account of the needs and legitimate aspirations of other groups, and
even of the entire human family.”
Vatican Council II, Gaudium et Spes,
n 26
