Historia magistra vitae: solidarietas versus caritas

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the process that led the principle of solidarity, initially pointed against the Church and her essential value of charity, to be gradually incorporated into the social teaching of the Church, and become one of her fundamental principles and values. In particular, the origins of the principle and an important role of pope Pius XI at the beginning of the process are underlined, all the more since his contribution into social teaching is neither well known nor appreciated. The importance of the conception and principle of solidarity in the social teaching of the Church has grown over the last few decades and is now uncontestable. Nevertheless, to be reminded of the beginnings of this process make us aware that the social teaching needs continually to face the reality of the modern world with an open mind and free from fear.