Social justice and the universal destination of goods

24. At the very heart of social justice lies the principle of the universal and common destination of the goods of the earth. Pope John Paul II has expressed it in the following words: "God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favouring anyone"(³⁶).This constant affirmation in the Christian tradition is not sufficiently reiterated, even though it is evidently of relevance to the whole of humanity, irrespective of creed. This axiom is a necessary foundation on which to build a society based on justice, peace and solidarity. For, generation after generation, we must see ourselves as the temporary stewards of the resources of the earth and the production system. In consideration of the purposes of creation, the right to property is not absolute. It is one of the expressions of the dignity of each person. However, it is only just if it is ordered to the common good and when it assists the advancement of all. This is exercised and recognised in different ways in different cultures.