Cooperatives in the Teaching of the Catholic Popes in the Face of Challenges of Sustainable Development

The aim of this article is to determine the extent to which (directly or indirectly) the papal teachings apply to cooperatives as tools for solving social, economic and environmental problems, which were defined by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in accordance with CST by implementing the principles of solidarity, cooperation, justice and respect for human dignity. The analysis of various papal documents covers the period from the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII up to Francis. The popes appreciate the work of cooperatives. They serve their members by implementing Christian values, including in the cooperative movement known as Christian solidarity. Cooperatives had been developing since the 19th century, often thanks to the priests involved in their founding and management. Popes are interested in socio-economic issues, economic activity and its form as cooperatives. Their reflections encompass various issues related to cooperatives, ranging from the right of people to associate, the principles of cooperative activity, the tasks of cooperative members, the role of production, agricultural, banking, consumer, social, labour, and energy cooperatives, to the necessity of state support for this form of management. They also emphasize the achievement of universal personal, spiritual, and community values, as well as the need to promote the common good.