Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 317: International Justice and Solidarity (2025)
Date: November 13, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Core Text: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2437-2442

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode focuses on the concepts of justice and solidarity on the international level, reflecting on economic inequalities between nations. Fr. Mike explores the Catholic Church's teaching on the responsibilities of individuals and countries—especially wealthier ones—toward less developed nations. The discussion centers on how these Gospel-driven principles should inform, but not dictate, policy; and emphasizes the responsibility of the laity in enacting justice and solidarity in the world.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Reality of Global Inequality

Timestamps: 02:45 – 04:10

• The Catechism acknowledges a "real gap between nations" in resources and capabilities.
  • "On the one side, there are those nations possessing and developing the means of growth, and on the other, those accumulating debts."
• There are complex causes—political, economic, historical—that give these inequalities a "worldwide dimension."

2. Principles, Not Policies

Timestamps: 04:10 – 05:15

• Fr. Mike stresses that the Church doesn't prescribe specific political policies, but "proposes principles"—virtues of justice and solidarity.
• The focus is on giving others their due (justice) and recognizing a shared humanity (solidarity).
  • "We're not advocating or saying any particular policies are the answer, but we're looking at...the virtues by which we should be looking at this...very complicated reality..." [01:55]

3. The Duty of Solidarity Among Nations

Timestamps: 05:50 – 07:00

• Solidarity is essential, especially for dismantling "perverse mechanisms" (Catechism 2438) that keep some nations impoverished.

• Specific injustices mentioned:

  • Abusive/usurious financial systems
  • Iniquitous commercial relations among nations
  • The arms race

• Instead, there should be a "common effort to mobilize resources...toward objectives of moral, cultural, and economic development."

  • "Rich nations must be like rich individuals...If I'm the steward of many resources...it is my responsibility as a Christian to do what I can to...actually help them." [08:20]

4. Obligations of Wealthier Nations

Timestamps: 08:00 – 09:40

• Grave moral responsibility: Wealthier nations are obliged, out of justice and charity, to aid those unable to develop due to circumstances or historical events.
  • "It is a duty in solidarity and charity. It is also an obligation in justice." [09:20]
  • Special note: Obligations are even greater "if the prosperity of the rich nations has come from resources that have not been paid for fairly."

5. The Limits and Role of Direct Aid

Timestamps: 10:00 – 11:30

• Direct aid is vital in emergencies (catastrophe, epidemic), but doesn't address deep, structural wounds.

• The Catechism calls for reforming "international economic and financial institutions" for lasting solutions.

  • "Direct aid is an appropriate response to immediate, extraordinary needs...But it does not suffice to repair the grave damage resulting from destitution..." [10:40]

6. Respecting National Identity and Autonomy

Timestamps: 11:50 – 13:00

• Fr. Mike clarifies that the Church does not advocate that wealthy countries impose their values on poorer ones as a condition for aid.
  • "Is it the role of the wealthier nation to come in and redefine what that particular weaker nation, or poorer nation, what they believe in, what their values are? This is a big, big question." [12:05]

7. The Spiritual Foundation of Human Development

Timestamps: 13:10 – 14:15

• Any true human progress rests on "increased sense of God and increased self-awareness" (CCC 2441).

  • Authentic development should enhance material well-being and serve the freedom, dignity, and cultural identity of people—always open to the transcendent.

  • "When we approach economic disparity, it is driven by that awareness of God, love of God, and because of that love of our neighbor." [14:08]

8. The Role of the Church and the Laity in Social Action

Timestamps: 14:25 – 16:00

• The Church clarifies that pastors (pope, bishops, priests) should not directly organize social life; this is the vocation of the lay faithful.
• Pastors propose principles; laity acts concretely in the world.
  • "When it comes to those intervening directly in the political structuring and organization of social life, that task falls to the lay faithful." [15:23]
• Social action by the laity must serve the common good and conform to the Gospel and Church teaching.
  • "There is no political party that is strictly speaking Catholic...there probably couldn't be, because...the Church only proposes principles. And that's a big difference." [15:40]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Complexity:
  "We're talking about justice and solidarity among nations. So we recognize complex issues. There is a real inequality, a real gap between nations." [07:10]

• On Direct Aid vs. Structural Solutions:
  "Direct aid...does not suffice to repair the grave damage resulting from destitution or to provide a lasting solution to a country's needs." [10:40]

• On Lay Responsibility:
  "The Church says, no, that's not their particular role...when it comes to those intervening directly in the political structuring and organization of social life, that task falls to the lay faithful." [15:23]

• On Avoiding Politicization of the Church:
  "There is no political party that is strictly speaking Catholic...the Church only proposes principles. And that's a big difference. So Catholics can disagree...on policies, provided that we are in agreement on principles." [15:40]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening Context & Main Theme: 00:05 – 02:45
• Explaining Justice and Solidarity: 02:45 – 05:50
• Detailed Walkthrough of the Catechism Text: 05:50 – 13:10
• Role of Church vs. Laity: 14:25 – 16:00
• Final Encouragement, Preview of Next Episode: 16:10 – End

Tone and Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike’s tone throughout is compassionate, thoughtful, and realistic—grounded in Catholic teaching but acknowledging the complexity of international relations. He is careful not to overstep, emphasizing discernment, prayer, and personal responsibility.

“We’re driven by the love of God... driven by the reality that the true God is a God of justice. Therefore...an increased sense of God and increased self-awareness are fundamental to any full development of human society.” [13:10]

He closes by encouraging Catholics to form their consciences around principles, stay prayerfully attentive to the needs of the poor, and prepare for the next episode’s focus on love for the poor.

In sum:
This episode offers a compelling and principled Catholic lens through which to view international inequality—a call to justice and solidarity rooted in the Gospel, with a clear commission to the laity to animate society with these virtues.