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.

Catholic Social Teaching and Human Rights Today: A Prayer

Prayer
This prayer reminds us of the interconnection between social and economic human rights and asks that every person, created in the image of God, may live fully, develop, and flourish.

Ashes and Smoke: "Set the World on Fire" Without Burning Out

Prayer
We are called to work for justice, but sometimes as ministers we are in danger of becoming burned out. This prayer experience provides a written reflection, song, and guided questions to help you...

Migrant and Refugee Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet & Handout
Terminology around migration is often confusing. This fact sheet explains the important nuances between terms such as migrants, forcibly displaced people, refugees, internally displaced persons, and...

Fair Trade and Sustainable Halloween Treat Guide

Fact Sheet & Handout
This bulletin insert explains the connections between CST, fair trade, and sustainability and provides suggestions for places to source Halloween candy that support workers' rights and care for the...

Indigenous Peoples' Day and Catholic Social Teaching

Reflection
Some states and cities in the United States are celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day in place of Columbus Day. Learn about why communities are making this switch and how Catholic Social Teaching...

Catholic Social Teaching and the Death Penalty

Bulletin Insert
Use this bulletin insert for education on how Catholic Social Teaching promotes an end to the death penalty and to learn how to advocate against this injustice.

Christ's Seamless Garment

Prayer
This prayer remembers the seamless garment that Christ wore and calls us as the Body of Christ to take on all people's concerns for justice as the seamless garment we wear.

Film Discussion Guide: El Deportado

Reflection
“El Deportado” is a short documentary that was created as a collaboration between faculty and students at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.  The documentary provides personal testimonies of...

The Prodigal Son, the Death Penalty, and Reconciliation

Film Discussion Guide
In her Catholic Women Preach reflection, Krisanne Vailliancourt Murphy, Executive Director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, preaches on the Return of the Prodigal Son. Use this discussion guide and...

Kinship: Lessons from "Tattoos on the Heart"

Book Discussion Guide
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:...

Migrant Prayers: Reflections from the Comedor

Prayer
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 for Kinship and Community

Prayer
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.