Common denominator

This commitment to doctrine and life that the Catholic Church gives us, which impels you, my children, to serve God while you are serving your country, is made specific in some firm, unshakeable truths. These are unquestioned principles that make up the common denominator, the vinculum fidei, not just for you, my children, but for all Catholics, for all faithful children of Holy Mother Church.

Catechism of Christian Doctrine

I will tell you, in this regard, what is my great desire. I would like to see children’s catechisms spell out clearly those basic points where we cannot yield when we act one way or another in public life. And at the same time I would also want them to affirm our obligation to act and not abstain, to lend our own collaboration in serving the common good with loyalty and with personal freedom. This is a great desire of mine, because I see that in this way Catholics would learn these truths from their childhood and would know how to practise them later as adults.