Dignity of the Human Person

“A just society can become a reality only when it is based on the respect of the transcendent dignity of the human person.” –Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #132

person holding baby's index finger illustrating the dignity of the human person

Photo by Aditya Romansa

Explore a wealth of resources that illuminate the cornerstone of Catholic Social Teaching: the dignity of the human person. Rooted in the belief that every individual is created in the image of God, this teaching emphasizes the inherent worth of every human being and calls for the promotion of justice, peace, and the defense of human rights.

On this page, you’ll find:

Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual resources that deepen understanding of human dignity and its connection to peace, nonviolence, and disarmament.
Educational Materials: Lesson plans, classroom activities, and discussion guides that explore the moral imperative to respect life and promote justice.
Multimedia Content: Videos, infographics, and articles that bring Catholic Social Teaching on human dignity to life, highlighting its relevance in today’s world.
Advocacy Tools: Practical guides for advancing nonviolence, supporting disarmament, and fostering peace through the lens of human dignity.

These resources empower educators, faith leaders, and advocates to connect the principle of human dignity with actionable steps toward a more peaceful and just society. By integrating Catholic Social Teaching into learning and advocacy, these materials inspire solidarity and compassion in the face of injustice.

No Hands But Yours

Prayer

This prayer expresses the deep human yearning for healing, love, justice, truth, and peace in a troubled world filled with deception and uncertainty. It calls for personal responsibility and...

Examen for Israel-Palestine

Prayer

An Examen rooted in Israel-Palestine, which walks through suffering, the impact of the conflict, and images you may have viewed to help you understand and walk in solidarity with those who have been...

Christmas Prayer: Help Us See You

Prayer

"Christmas Prayer: Help Us See You" offers a prayer focused on recognizing Christ in the world, especially in those who are marginalized or suffering. The prayer encourages reflection on how we can...

Advent: Re-examining Gift-Giving Practices and Catholic Social Teaching

Reflection

During Advent, we are called to reflect on Christ’s message of love and justice, challenging consumerism and focusing on ethical and meaningful giving. Catholic Social Teaching encourages...

Classroom Listening Circle Post Elections

Activity

Facilitate a co-created post-election Listening Circle to provide a respectful space for students to share feelings and perspectives. Through guided prompts, prayer, and consensus-building, students...

Keeping Christ’s Promise Prayer

Prayer

Praying for Native American Heritage Month, we reflect on the Native American and Indigenous Peoples who have come before us and on whose land many of us live. We pause to recognize the harm forced...

Bulletin Insert - Racial Justice and U.S. Elections (revised)

Bulletin Insert

The crisis of inequality creates deep divisions between people and communities, despite progress in reducing extreme poverty. Rising wealth inequality, especially impacting women, Indigenous peoples,...

Student Guide on Racial Justice and the U.S. Elections

Activity

The crisis of inequality creates deep divisions between people and communities, despite progress in reducing extreme poverty. Rising wealth inequality, especially impacting women, Indigenous peoples,...

Conversations in Conflict - Post Election material

Activity

One-on-one conversations, even amid disagreement, offer opportunities to build empathy and understanding, with Catholic Social Teaching emphasizing reverence for human dignity as a guide for handling...

Bulletin Insert: Poverty and U.S. Elections (revised)

Bulletin Insert

Explore how those in poverty face not only a lack of basic necessities but also social exclusion, limited access to education, and vulnerability to climate change. This bulletin insert examines...

Student Guide on Peace and Security and U.S. Elections

Activity

The results of the U.S. election season will reverberate far beyond our borders, as policy decisions made in Washington have a profound impact both domestically and globally. Explore the intersection...

Prayer for Hispanic Heritage Month

Prayer

Praying for Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect and give thanks for the rich heritage of those whose roots trace back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.