What is a Just Society?

A just society can become a reality only when it is based on the respect of the transcendent dignity of the human person.

The person represents the ultimate end of society, Hence, the social order and its development must invariably work to the benefit of the human person. Respect for human dignity can in no way be separated from obedience to this principle. It is necessary to consider every neighbour without exception as another self, taking into account first of all his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity.

Every political, economic, social, scientific and cultural programme must be inspired by the awareness of the primacy of each human being over society. In no case, therefore, is the human person to be manipulated for ends that are foreign to his own development. Neither his life nor the development of his thought, nor his good, nor those who are part of his personal and social activities can be subjected to unjust restrictions in the exercise of their rights and freedom.

This is an extract from #132-133 from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (CSDC).