Today, the words of Jesus invite us to consider one of the social essential structure principles invoked by the Social doctrine of the Church: solidarity. Social life creates multiple interdependencies, so that we must become aware of others’ needs, considering them as our own. Thus, interdependence involves demands of the common good, and produces a moral category: solidarity. It is first and foremost a sense of responsibility on the part of everyone with regard to everyone (it cannot therefore be merely delegated to the State).

To love someone is to desire that person’s good and to take effective steps to secure it. Next to the good of the individual, there is a good that is linked in society: the common good. To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity.

—The principle of solidarity must remain closely linked to the principle of subsidiarity: For if subsidiarity without solidarity lapses into social privatism, it is likewise true that solidarity without subsidiarity lapses into a welfare mentality which is demeaning to those in need.