Problem ubóstwa we współczesnej Afryce w nauczaniu społecznym Kościoła katolickiego

The social teaching of the Catholic Church is a doctrine on matters of poverty and wealth, economics, social organization and the role of the state. The principles of Catholic social teaching are: human dignity, love, truth, freedom, justice, solidarity, subsidiarity, participation, preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, dignity of work and the rights of workers and care for God’s creation. Several organs of the Holy See are dedicated to social issues, among others the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Although blessed with a wealth of natural resources, Africa is the poorest continent. Poverty is understood in many different ways, but most commonly it is described as an economic condition where one lacks both money and the basic necessities that are needed to successfully survive. Many people in Africa still live in abject poverty because of bad governance, corruption and human irresponsibility. Many Africans are also victims of diseases such as AIDS and malaria. In this situation the Catholic Church can play a critical role by advocating for economic justice and eradication of poverty from Africa. The Catholic Church in Africa, which calls herself the Family of God, undertakes many actions against the poverty, such as: education, health, aid to the needy, development projects, defence of human rights, and the commitment to bring about democracy and legally constituted states. Making his first trip to Africa, Pope Benedict XVI said the Catholic Church can help to bring an answers to the continent's chronic problems, including poverty, AIDS and tribalism.