Catholic social teaching does not require absolute equality… but it does challenge economic arrangements that leave large numbers of people impoverished. Further, it sees extreme inequality as a threat to the solidarity of the human community.
Every person has inherent dignity. Extreme inequality undermines this when it leaves people in poverty, exclusion, or without access to basic needs (food, shelter, education, healthcare). The Church calls for a “preferential love” for the poor.
God created the earth’s resources for the benefit of all humanity. Private property is legitimate and necessary but subordinate to this universal purpose. Hoarding wealth while others lack basics violates the social nature of goods.
@Sierra_rak The bread in his cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat hanging unused in his closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in his possession belong to the shoeless.
@SallyMayweather No. Billionaires can influence politics, media, markets, and public policy in ways ordinary citizens cannot. This concentration of power is incompatible with democratic equality.
@elonmusk Good. I’m glad it failed.
It creates unnecessary barriers for millions of eligible citizens (e.g., those without easy access to passports/birth certificates, people with disabilities, low-income voters, or those updating registrations after moves/marriages).