John Paul II has observed that there is not enough solidarity in the modern world. He analyses the political circumstances that favours such a situation but puts an emphasis on a theological analysis of social reality. Behind the political turmoil he uncovers the conflict of two civilisations - the civilisation of utilitarianism and the civilisation of love. Society ought to be based on justice and solidarity and the efforts for justice are an expression of solidarity, and solidarity helps justice not to degenerate into its seamy side. John Paul II defines solidarity as a value solidarity. Solidarity among specific groups is desirable but the criterion for its evaluation must be a general good and the respect of dignity for every man. He points out the importance of a solidary organisation, the cultivation of solidarity in the family among generations, the importance of voluntary associations and their networking, as well as the necessity to engage lay people in politics. For us in Croatia, particularly important is the Pope's invitation to develop a culture of peace, inspired by the feelings of tolerance and to connect forgiveness and solidariy, whereby forgiveness is a prerequisite for solidarity.

Ivan Pavao II. uočava da u suvremenom društvu postoji manjak solidarnosti. Analizira političke okolnosti koje tome pogoduju, ali naglasak stavlja na teološku analizu društvene zbilje. Iza političkih previranja otkriva sukob dviju civilizacija - civilizacije utilitarizma i civilizacije ljubavi. Društvo se treba temeljiti na pravednosti i solidarnosti, pri čemu je zalaganje za pravednost izraz solidarnosti, a solidarnost omogućava pravednosti da se ne izrodi u svoje naličje. Ivan Pavao II. definira solidarnost kao vrijednosnu solidarnost. Solidarnost unutar određenih skupina je poželjna, ali kriterij za njezino vrednovanje ima biti opće dobro i poštovanje dostojanstva svakog čovjeka. Naglašava važnost solidarne organizacije, njegovanja solidarnosti unutar obitelji među generacijama, važnost volonterskih udruga i njihova umrežavanja kao i potrebu angažiranja laika u politici. Za nas u Hrvatskoj osobito je važan Papin poziv da gradimo kulturu mira koja se nadahnjuje osjećajima snošljivosti i opće solidarnosti kao i povezivanje praštanja i solidarnosti, pri čemu je praštanje pretpostavka solidarnosti.