Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 427 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 427 – Part I. Why is there no absolute right to private property?

(Youcat answer) There is no absolute but only a relative right to private property because God created the earth and its goods for all mankind.   

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 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 (Cf. Gen 1:26-29). 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. 

 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Before parts of created reality can “belong” to individuals, because they have been obtained legally, inherited, or received as gifts, these owners must know that there is no property without social obligation. At the same time, the Church contradicts those who conclude from the social obligation associated with property that there should be no private property and that everything should belong to everybody, or to the State. The private owner who manages, tends, and increases a plot of land in keeping with the Creator’s plan and divides the proceeds in such a way that each person gets what is his due is by all means acting according to the divine commission for creation.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2403) The right to private property, acquired or received in a just way, 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. (CCC 2452) The goods of creation are destined for the entire human race. The right to private property does not abolish the universal destination of goods. 

(This question: Why is there no absolute right to private property? is continued)