The Social Teaching in Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est

Abstract

Pope Benedict XVI’s Deus caritas est rightly receives much attention for the beautiful discussion of the nature of love in the encyclical’s first part. The second part of the encyclical, however, does not receive the attention it deserves. There Benedict describes the proper role of the Church in bringing about justice, and moreover, teaches that not only a commitment to justice is necessary for the securing of the common good, but also social charity which perfects and surpasses justice. Pope Benedict describes the important role of politics in advancing the common good while also emphasizing the necessity of charity for politics to perform its function well, and ultimately, for a good which transcends the demands of justice to be attained.