Israel Centeno
The Catholic Church is neither a political party nor just another actor in the ideological struggle. Its mission is not to build a terrestrial kingdom aligned with the interests of the left or the right but to proclaim the Gospel and guide humanity toward the Kingdom of Heaven. Since its foundation by Christ, its purpose has been to lead souls to salvation, announcing a truth that does not bend to the circumstances of history.
However, in the modern world, it is often pressured to take sides, adapting its doctrine to the demands of different factions. The right accuses it of populism when it denounces social injustice; the left labels it reactionary when it defends life and the family. But the Church is not a prisoner of these disputes. Its commitment is not to human power but to Christ and His Kingdom, which transcends time and politics.
1. The Church and Its Commitment to the Kingdom of Heaven
Christ made it clear that His Kingdom is not of this world:
“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight so that I would not be handed over to the Jews. But now my kingdom is not from here.” (John 18:36)
The Church’s mission is to announce this Kingdom, which began with Christ’s coming and will be fulfilled with the promise of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). Therefore, the Church’s action in the world is not aimed at establishing a definitive political order or a utopian society. Its social and moral work is an expression of Christian charity, rooted in the hope of the Kingdom of God.
Throughout history, the Church has been a steadfast defender of human dignity because it knows that every person is called to eternal life. Its work on behalf of the poor, the marginalized, and the persecuted does not stem from ideology but from Christ’s teaching:
“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in.” (Matthew 25:35)
This mission, however, must not be mistaken for a political project. The Church does not seek to build paradise on earth but to ensure that every man and woman lives with the dignity inherent to being a child of God and reaches salvation.
2. The Church in the Face of Liberalism and Moral Progressivism
While the Church has historically been a refuge for those suffering injustice, it has also remained firm in its teaching on life, family, and morality. In a world that has relativized truth, many demand that the Church adapt to the trends of the moment. When it defends life from conception to natural death, when it reaffirms the complementarity of man and woman in marriage, or when it upholds the dignity of the human body, it is accused of being outdated and rigid.
Here, it is essential to remember that although the Church is in the world, it does not belong to it. Its teachings are not shaped by public opinion or cultural shifts. The truth it proclaims is eternal. As Pope Benedict XVI stated:
“If the Church were to limit itself to defending social justice without proclaiming the truth about man, it would be just another NGO. But if it proclaimed the truth without concern for love, it would betray its mission.”
One of the Church’s most significant contributions in this regard is the theology of the body, developed by Saint John Paul II. This teaching reminds us that the human body is not merely matter but has a spiritual significance. Man and woman, in their corporeality, are called to reflect divine love. Secularism has sought to reduce the body to an object of consumption or manipulation, but the Church upholds its dignity and transcendent purpose.
3. The Church Belongs Neither to the Left nor the Right but to Christ
Many expect the Church to align with their political preferences. Some demand that it take a more activist role in social issues, while others insist that it limit itself to matters of worship and morality. But the Church does not belong to earthly authorities. Its only loyalty is to Christ and the mission He entrusted to it.
The principles of the Church’s Social Doctrine—the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the preferential option for the poor—are not political ideologies but expressions of Christ’s teaching. They are not subject to negotiation or external pressures.
In an increasingly polarized world, the Church remains steadfast in its mission: to proclaim the Gospel, defend human dignity, and prepare the faithful for the coming of the Kingdom. As Pope Francis said:
“The Church must not be part of ideological factions but must always walk the path of the Gospel, with a clear commitment to justice and truth.”
The Church does not seek to build an earthly kingdom but to lead humanity toward the Kingdom of God. Its commitment to social justice, the defense of life, and human dignity does not stem from political interests but from Christ’s teaching.
This is why, when the Church denounces injustice, some call it communist. When it defends morality and life, others accuse it of being ultra-conservative. But its path is neither left nor right; it is the path of Christ.
Our hope rests in the Lord’s promise:
“Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
And while we await the new heaven and the new earth, the Church continues its mission: to proclaim the truth and accompany every human being on the journey toward eternity.
