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.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time [c] January 31, 2016

Lectionary Reflection
Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time [c] January 31, 2016

Alive Inside

Film Discussion Guide
In celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, this film discussion guide explores the power of music in overcoming memory loss. Alive Inside is a touching, powerful film that brings forth...

Human Rights: Supporting Human Dignity

Prayer Service
December 10 is the anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, a document St. John Paul II praised for its support of human dignity for all members of the global community. This...

Bless Me, Ultima

BLESS ME, ULTIMA is based on the novel by acclaimed author Rodolfo Anaya. It is the coming-of-age story of Antonio, a seven-year-old Catholic boy living in a small town in New Mexico. The film...

Dating Violence Awareness

Prayer Service
February is Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Our prayer service is supported with an expansive compilation of resources, a declaration of dating rights, and an exclusive EFJ interview...

Juno

The film, Juno, provides a timely tool to look at issues central to life. The film focuses on the dignity of life, particularly the life of the unborn, and the dignity of the human person. It...

Themes of CST: Human Dignity

This backgrounder on the principle of Human Dignity provides a thorough overview for anyone interested in a greater understanding of the foundations of Catholic social teaching. This ten-page...

Workers' Rights (Text-Only Version)

Fact Sheet & Handout
This unit on workers' rights contains the following materials: prayers and reflections, fact sheets, and "The Faces Behind the Products."

Children's Rights

Unit
This unit on children's rights contains the following materials: prayers and reflections, fact sheets, case studies, an overview of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, information on Gospel...

Catholic Social Teaching, the United Nations, and Human Rights Timeline

Activity
The Church's emphasis on human rights arises from its concern for the dignity of every human person. All of the Church's pronouncements on rights emphasize this dignity. This timeline activity is...