Catholic Legal Theory, in a Nutshell

The ZENIT news organization reports that, during a recent visit to the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and of Social Sciences, Pope Benedict XVI said that (in ZENIT's words) an "aim of Christianity is to put the person at the center of the social order[.]"  Quoting the Pope:

"According to God's design, persons cannot be separated from the physical, psychological or spiritual dimensions of human nature," the Pope said in his address today . . ..

The Holy Father focused on a theme on which the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences is reflecting, "The Concept of the Person in the Social Sciences."

"Even though cultures change over time, to suppress or ignore the nature that they claim to 'cultivate' can have serious consequences," Benedict XVI said. "The concept of person continues to bring about a profound understanding of the unique character and social dimension of every human being.

"This is especially true in legal and social institutions, where the notion of 'person' is fundamental. Sometimes, however, even when this is recognized in international declarations and legal statutes, certain cultures, especially when not deeply touched by the Gospel, remain strongly influenced by group-centered ideologies or by an individualistic and secularist view of society."

The Holy Father continued: "The social doctrine of the Catholic Church, which places the human person at the heart and source of social order, can offer much to the contemporary consideration of social themes."