What is solidarity?

All persons enjoy equal dignity and fundamental rights insofar as they are created in the image and likeness of the one God, are endowed with the same rational soul, have the same nature and origin, and are called in Christ, the one and only Savior, to the same divine beatitude.

There are, however, differences among people caused by various factors that enter into the plan of God. Indeed, God wills that each might receive what he or she needs from others and that those endowed with particular talents should share them with others. Such differences encourage and often oblige people to the practice of generosity, kindness, and the sharing of goods. They also foster the mutual enrichment of cultures.

Solidarity springs from human and Christian brotherhood, manifested in the just distribution of goods, by fair remuneration for work, and by a zeal for a more just social order. The virtue of solidarity also practices the sharing of spiritual goods of faith which is even more important than sharing material goods.1

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1
Compendium CCC, 412-414, 518.19.