Pope Francis challenges politicians to care for the earth and care for the poor. The Vatican Council dares to tell the state what its purpose is. Do Church authorities infringe on the autonomy of civil authorities in doing so? Is the Church in danger of ‘imposing’ its view of the good on others? This lecture considers issues of solidarity, knowledge of others’ interests, distinction of types of goods, and the limits of permissibility in caring for others’ wellbeing.