Magnifica Humanitas §65

⁶⁵ “Among the numerous implications of the common good, immediate significance is taken on by the principle of the universal destination of goods.” First of all, this principle reminds us that the earth’s goods — soil, water, air and natural resources — are given by God to the entire human family to sustain the lives of all, and that every person has an inherent right to the use of such goods, both now and in the future. Saint John Paul II recalled that, “God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favoring anyone.” Consequently, “it is not in accordance with God’s plan to use this gift in such a way that its benefits accrue solely to a select few.” Today, we are called to recognize that this universal destination applies not only to material goods, but also to immaterial and cultural goods.