I. The Universal Destination
and the Private Ownership of Goods
2402
In the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common
stewardship of mankind to take care of them, master them by labor, and enjoy
their fruits.186 The goods of creation are destined for the whole human
race. However, the earth is divided up among men to assure the security of
their lives, endangered by poverty and threatened by violence. the
appropriation of property is legitimate for guaranteeing the freedom and
dignity of persons and for helping each of them to meet his basic needs and the
needs of those in his charge. It should allow for a natural solidarity to develop
between men.
2403
The right to private property, acquired by work or received from others by
inheritance or gift, does not do away with the original gift of the earth to the
whole of mankind. the universal destination of goods remains primordial, even
if the promotion of the common good requires respect for the right to private
property and its exercise.
2404
"In his use of things man should regard the external goods he legitimately
owns not merely as exclusive to himself but common to others also, in the sense
that they can benefit others as well as himself."187 The ownership
of any property makes its holder a steward of Providence, with the task of
making it fruitful and communicating its benefits to others, first of all his
family.
2405
Goods
of production - material or immaterial - such as land, factories, practical or
artistic skills, oblige their possessors to employ them in ways that will
benefit the greatest number. Those who hold goods for use and consumption
should use them with moderation, reserving the better part for guests, for the
sick and the poor.
2406
Political authority has the right and duty to regulate the legitimate exercise
of the right to ownership for the sake of the common good.188
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