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.

Prayer Service

Dating Violence Awareness

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...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Workers' Rights (Text-Only Version)

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

Children's Rights

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...
Activity

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

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...