In the Gospel of Matthew (25:31–46), Jesus describes the last judgment, saying that we will be judged based on how we treat the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. Throughout the Scriptures, Jesus spends time with the sick and outcast, revealing a special love for those most in need. The Catholic social teaching principle Option for the Poor and Vulnerable encourages us to imitate Christ’s love for the poor by working to create a society where the needs of the poor are always considered first.

The Preferential Option for the Poor is a key principle in Catholic Social Teaching (CST) that emphasises the moral priority of addressing the needs of the poor and marginalised in society. It asserts that society must give special consideration to the poor and vulnerable, not as an act of charity, but as a matter of justice, recognising that their dignity and rights are often overlooked or denied in social, political, and economic systems.

Here are the key aspects of the Preferential Option for the Poor in Catholic Social Teaching:
 

1. Priority for the Poor and Vulnerable

• Moral Obligation: The Church teaches that the well-being of the poor must take precedence in decisions concerning social and economic justice. This priority is not based on charity or compassion alone but on justice, as the poor are often denied their basic human rights and dignity due to structural inequalities in society.
• Justice Over Charity: While acts of charity are important, the preferential option for the poor calls for long-term structural changes to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. This principle challenges society to transform systems that perpetuate poverty rather than merely providing temporary relief.
   

2. A Response to the Gospel

• Jesus' Teachings: The preferential option for the poor is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who consistently demonstrated a concern for the poor and marginalised. In the Gospels, Jesus identifies with the poor, stating, "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3) and "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). For Catholics, following Christ’s example requires a commitment to addressing the needs of the poor.
   
• The Prophetic Tradition: Throughout the Old and New Testaments, prophets and Jesus himself condemn injustice and call for the liberation of the oppressed. The preferential option for the poor aligns with this prophetic tradition, urging the faithful to advocate for justice for the poor, rather than simply feeling sympathy for them.
   

3. Structural and Systemic Change

• Addressing Root Causes of Poverty: The preferential option for the poor involves not only providing aid to the poor but also addressing the structural and systemic factors that contribute to poverty. This includes tackling economic inequality, promoting fair wages, improving access to education, healthcare, and housing, and ensuring that public policies and social systems do not disproportionately harm the poor.
• Economic and Social Justice: The Church calls for economic systems that respect the dignity of all people, particularly the poor, and that promote the common good. The preferential option for the poor involves working to transform policies, institutions, and economic structures that disproportionately disadvantage the poor.
   

4. Solidarity with the Poor

• Mutual Responsibility: The preferential option for the poor calls for solidarity with those who suffer from poverty, marginalisation, and injustice. Solidarity means recognising that the fate of the poor is intimately connected with the fate of society as a whole. It requires working together to build a more just and inclusive society.
• Empowerment of the Poor: The principle does not just call for helping the poor but also for empowering them to take an active role in shaping their own lives and communities. It promotes policies that foster self-sufficiency and dignity, rather than creating dependency.
   

5. Holistic Approach to Poverty

• Beyond Material Needs: The preferential option for the poor goes beyond simply meeting material needs. It also involves addressing the social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of poverty. This means ensuring that the poor have access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and a voice in society.
• Human Dignity: Every human being, including the poor, has inherent dignity. The preferential option for the poor affirms that this dignity must be respected, and society must ensure that the poor are not treated as "less than" others but are given the same respect and opportunities.
   

6. Community and Social Transformation

• Inclusive Communities: The principle of the preferential option for the poor calls for the creation of communities where everyone’s dignity is respected, and where the poor are included in decision-making processes. It challenges society to build a community that is truly inclusive, where people of all economic backgrounds have equal opportunities to thrive.
• Advocacy and Action: Catholics are called to advocate for policies that benefit the poor and to work for social justice in their communities. This includes supporting measures to alleviate poverty, fight inequality, and address issues like hunger, housing, and employment.
   

7. Pope John Paul II and Later Papal Teachings

• "Sollicitudo Rei Socialis" (1987): In this encyclical, Pope John Paul II reiterated the importance of a preferential option for the poor, emphasizing that justice requires a priority concern for the marginalised.
• "Centesimus Annus" (1991): This encyclical further developed the idea of the preferential option for the poor within the context of a global economy and capitalist systems, stressing that the social and economic order must be reformed to prioritize the needs of the poor.
• Pope Francis: In his encyclical Evangelii Gaudium (2013), Pope Francis calls for a church that is "poor and for the poor," urging both individuals and governments to act in solidarity with the marginalised. He advocates for systemic change and solidarity, particularly in the context of global economic inequality.
   

8. Theological Foundation

• Creation and Redemption: The preferential option for the poor is rooted in the belief that all people are created in the image of God and are called to live in community with one another. The poor, like all people, are loved by God and are an essential part of the body of Christ. This understanding calls for a radical love and commitment to social justice.
• God’s Preference for the Poor: Throughout the Bible, God is shown to have a special concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalised. The Church teaches that this divine preferential love for the poor should inspire human action to ensure their dignity and well-being.