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.

Book Discussion Guide

Kinship: Lessons from "Tattoos on the Heart"

Read an excerpt from the book "Tattoos on the Heart" to learn about the concept of kinship and reflect on its role in your own life using the provided discussion questions.   Photo Credit:...
Prayer

Migrant Prayers: Reflections from the Comedor

The Kino Border Initiative (KBI) provides services to migrant men, women, and children in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. The prayers and scripture quotes in this document were collected from individuals...
Diverse group of faces in a circle
Prayer

Prayer for Kinship and Community

During a time in which division and separation seem unavoidable, we pray that we can expand our circles of caring until no one is left in the margins.
Van Jones
Video

Discussion Guide: The Economic Injustice of Plastic

This 13-minute TED Talk, by environmental and racial justice activist Van Jones, explores the negative impact of the production, use, and disposal of plastics on the lives of the poor. The discussion...
Pope Francis at Interfaith Gathering at the Vatican
Reflection

Reflection: Interfaith Vatican Gathering on the "Cries of the Earth, Cries of the Poor"

Learn about the March 2019 interfaith gathering at the Vatican on the environment and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This resource includes a summary, reflection questions, suggestions to put...
Malala Yousafzai
Prayer

Prayer for the Voices of Women and Girls

A prayer that uplifts the voices of women and girls who are speaking out for solidarity around the globe and remembers the voices that are still silenced.
Quiz

Child Marriage Quiz

This short 11-question quiz on child marriage is a useful activity to open up a discussion on this important topic.  
Fact Sheet & Handout

Child Marriage

This fact sheet defines child marriage, looks at its implications for human flourishing, and provides discussion questions rooted in Catholic social tradition. An accompanying quiz on child...
Reflection

Forced Organ Harvesting and Falun Gong

This resource offers an insight into the cold genocide currently being carried out against Falun Gong practitioners in China. Despite official claims from the Chinese government, this resource...
Activity

Encounter Through Service

Pope Francis encourages us to encounter the poor and those who suffer. Service learning is a great opportunity to encounter others and promote human dignity.
Film Discussion Guide

End Game

The Netflix documentary End Game offers a compassionate exploration of how residents in palliative care facilities are helped to face death with dignity. Discussion questions, faith in action, and a...
Calendar

August 2018: Voices for Human Dignity

This month’s calendar offers daily reflections and actions to celebrate EFJ’s theme for the month of August 2018: Rejoice and Be Glad: Voices for Human Dignity.