The Catholic Church is deeply committed to promoting social equality and justice. This presentation examines the legal and historical development of Catholic academic research addressing these pressing social issues. Historically, the theoretical framework for addressing societal issues was primarily theological. However, the Second Vatican Council initiated a paradigm shift, calling for a broad dialogue between theology and other disciplines—such as economics, law, and sociology—to effectively address social inequalities and the unjust distribution of goods. The analysis examines the role of Catholic and ecclesiastical universities in this mission, highlighting how legal frameworks, particularly the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium, support transdisciplinary research. The study argues that to genuinely promote social equality, universities must develop distinct methodologies that integrate Catholic social teaching with secular sciences. By addressing issues such as poverty, economic vulnerability, and human dignity through a transdisciplinary lens, Catholic higher education can serve as a powerful instrument for advancing social equality and the common good.