I did a quick scan through the Catechism and the section dealing with this issue is rather long so I wonu2019t try to quote it in full here. Iu2019d suggest starting at the link above and reading through (hit the u2018nextu2024 button) until the end of that Article (when you hit the u201cin briefu201d).Hereu2019s the summary from the Compendium, which is less detailed but a bit shorter. (The Compendium is essentially a summary of the larger Catechism.) Iu2019ve edited a bit just for length, trying to keep the core of whatu2019s most relevant to your question, but you can use the link to the compendium to read it in full. The numbers are paragraph references to the full Catechism.THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT: YOU SHALL NOT STEAL503. What is set forth by the seventh commandment?2401-2402The seventh commandment requires respect for the universal destination and distribution of goods and the private ownership of them, as well as respect for persons, their property, and the integrity of creation. The Church also finds in this Commandment the basis for her social doctrine which involves the correct way of acting in economic, social and political life, the right and the duty of human labor, justice and solidarity among nations, and love for the poor.504. Under what conditions does the right to private property exist?2403The right to private property exists provided the property is acquired or received in a just way and that the universal destination of goods for the satisfaction of the basic needs of all takes precedence.[u2026]506. What does the seventh commandment require?24072450-2451The seventh commandment requires respect for the goods of others through the practice of justice and charity, temperance and solidarity. In particular it requires respect for promises made and contracts agreed to, reparation for injustice committed and restitution of stolen goods, and respect for the integrity of creation by the prudent and moderate use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe with special attention to those species which are in danger of extinction.[u2026]508. What is forbidden by the seventh commandment?2408-24132453-2455Above all, the seventh commandment forbids theft, which is the taking or using of anotheru2019s property against the reasonable will of the owner. This can be done also by paying unjust wages; by speculation on the value of goods in order to gain an advantage to the detriment of others; or by the forgery of checks or invoices. Also forbidden is tax evasion or business fraud; willfully damaging private or public property ; usury; corruption; the private abuse of common goods; work deliberately done poorly; and waste. [emphasis added][u2026]511. How should social and economic life be pursued?2459It should be pursued according to its own proper methods within the sphere of the moral order, at the service of the whole human being and of the entire human community in keeping with social justice. Social and economic life should have the human person as its author, center, and goal.512. What would be opposed to the social doctrine of the Church?2424-2425Opposed to the social doctrine of the Church are economic and social systems that sacrifice the basic rights of persons or that make profit their exclusive norm or ultimate end. For this reason the Church rejects the ideologies associated in modern times with Communism or with atheistic and totalitarian forms of socialism. But in the practice of capitalism the Church also rejects self centered individualism and an absolute primacy of the laws of the marketplace over human labor.[u2026]514. To what type of work does every person have a right?24292433-2434Access to secure and honest employment must be open to all without unjust discrimination and with respect for free economic initiative and fair compensation.515. What responsibility does the State have in regard to labor?2431It is the role of the State to guarantee individual freedom and private property, as well as a stable currency and efficient public services. It is also the Stateu2019s responsibility to oversee and direct the exercise of human rights in the economic sector. According to circumstances, society must help citizens to find work.516. What is the task of business management?2432Business managers are responsible for the economic and ecological effects of their operations. They must consider the good of persons and not only the increase of profits, even though profits are necessary to assure investments, the future of the business, employment, and the good progress of economic life.517. What are the duties of workers?2435They must carry out their work in a conscientious way with competence and dedication, seeking to resolve any controversies with dialogue. Recourse to a non-violent strike is morally legitimate when it appears to be the necessary way to obtain a proportionate benefit and it takes into account the common good.518. How is justice and solidarity among nations brought about?2437-2441On the international level, all nations and institutions must carry out their work in solidarity and subsidiarity for the purpose of eliminating or at least reducing poverty, the inequality of resources and economic potential, economic and social injustices, the exploitation of persons, the accumulation of debts by poor countries, and the perverse mechanisms that impede the development of the less advanced countries.[u2026]520. By what is love for the poor inspired?2443-24492462-2463Love for the poor is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes and by the example of Jesus in his constant concern for the poor. Jesus said, u201cWhatever you have done to the least of my brethren, you have done to meu201d (Matthew 25:40). Love for the poor shows itself through the struggle against material poverty and also against the many forms of cultural, moral, and religious poverty. The spiritual and corporal works of mercy and the many charitable institutions formed throughout the centuries are a concrete witness to the preferential love for the poor which characterizes the disciples of Jesus.
