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.

Webinar: Slavery, the Catholic Church, and Lessons for Today

Film Discussion Guide
In this presentation, Fr. Chris Kellerman, S.J., will explain the basics of the Catholic Church’s historical involvement with slaveholding and the Atlantic slave trade, drawing lessons from this...

Discussion on Ending the Death Penalty with Sr. Helen Prejean

Activity
This guide is for use after viewing a recorded conversation around the death penalty, hosted by Catholic Mobilizing Network. The webinar featured Sr. Helen Prejean, Ohio death row exoneree Kwame...

Quality of Life: A Consistent Ethic of Life

Reflection
This is a reflection on understanding the consistent ethic of life and how we are called to see the dignity of life in everyone we encounter.

Ethical Purchasing and Catholic Social Teaching

Reflection
Read through this Ethical Holiday Purchasing guide to better understand the decisions you make around buying—especially during the holiday season. Begin to consider workers engaged in all phases of...

IFTJ Keynote Reflections 2022

Reflection
This discussion guide can be used to help break open the keynote discussions during the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice held from October 22-23 in Washington D.C. Use this document to reflect on...

Film Discussion - Going Home Like a Shooting Star

Film Discussion Guide
This discussion guide is based on the film, Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman's Journey to Sainthood. The documentary focuses on the life of Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman, an African...

We Give Thanks

Prayer
We Give Thanks is a prayer that can be used for personal prayer or in your community. 

Atoning for the Sins Against Indigenous People

Activity
A discussion guide based on the article, "Atoning for sins against Indigenous people begins with confronting the past. Red Cloud Indian School is showing the way." The article appeared in America...

Birth of a Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church

Book Discussion Guide
This discussion guide is based on the book, Birth of Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church written by Olga M. Segura. This guide focuses primarily on the chapter titled, "The March for...

Engaging the Filipino American Labor Movement through CST

Reflection
Learn more about the Filipino American labor movement and the work of farm workers in California's Central Valley. Use the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and the understanding the rights of workers...

World Food Day Quiz

Activity
World Food Day is October 16. Use this Hunger/Food Quiz to reflect with your class or group.

World Hunger Crisis

Activity
Communities around the world are facing extreme hunger alongside issues of conflict, climate change, COVID-19, and the cost of rising food. Catholic Relief Services assembled a resource alongside...