The article argues that Pope Benedict XVI’s inaugural encyclical,Deus caritas est, places the Church’s competency in the area of charity, not justice. Achieving justice pertains to the role of the state in the political process. The Church’s role regarding justice is indirect, through her social teaching and the activity of the lay faithful as citizens. The Church’s charitable agencies must adhere to their Catholic identity, and the state has the duty to encourage and protect their activity.