Integral and sustainable human development Dialogues between Sen - UNDP and contemporary Catholic social thought

This paper analyzes the convergences, complementarities and differences between the notion of human development in Amartya Sen and UNDP with that of Benedict XVI and Francis. The different notions of human development include the integrality or multidimensionality of people as well as the inclusiveness and sustainability. Each notion of development supposes a vision of the human being, of freedom, responsibility and agency. The relevance of institutions, efficiency and the complexity of index that consider both social and the environmental dimension are put into discussion. Finally, the Christian contribution in social ethics to public policies is postulated.