Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has urged Christians to protect and promote the dignity of every human person, saying it is a unique and lasting gift from God.
Speaking at his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, September 9, the Pope continued his series of reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes. His latest catechesis focused on human dignity as both a gift and a responsibility.
Pope Leo said the recognition of fundamental human rights is one of the most important achievements in human history. However, he warned that the journey toward fully protecting human dignity remains unfinished.
He said old and new contradictions still prevent people from fully realizing the dignity of every human being. Therefore, he called on Christians to defend human dignity with the “light and strength of the Gospel.”
Dignity Comes From Every Person’s Existence
The Pope said the Church reminds the world that human dignity comes from the very being of each person.
Referring to his recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, he said every person is planned and willed by God for communion with Him, with other people and with creation.
Pope Leo stressed that dignity does not depend on ability, wealth, social position or personal choices. Instead, he described it as a gift that comes before and goes beyond every individual.
He also linked human dignity to the belief that people are created in the image of God. This gives humanity the ability to know and love its Creator. At the same time, people have a responsibility to care for creation.
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Human Beings Are Called to Solidarity
Pope Leo said human dignity cannot be understood through isolation.
He explained that being a person involves relationships, communion and participation. People grow through acceptance, mutual respect and service to others.
As a result, dignity brings both personal responsibility and solidarity. It also requires people to resist ideas and actions that distort the value of human life.
The Pope acknowledged that humanity remains affected by sin and internal division. Yet, he said Christians can face this weakness with hope because Christ came to free and renew humanity from within.
Body and Soul Form One Human Person
The Pope also highlighted the teaching of Gaudium et Spes on the unity of body and soul.
He rejected views that separate the two or treat the human body as an object that can be used or discarded without regard for human dignity.
Instead, he said the body is good and worthy of respect because God created it and destined it for resurrection.
Intelligence, Conscience and Freedom
Pope Leo identified intelligence, conscience and freedom as three important expressions of human dignity.
According to the Pope, intelligence leads people to seek truth. Conscience helps them give meaning and unity to their lives. Freedom allows them to take responsibility for their decisions.
He said these three elements remain closely connected. The Holy Spirit, he added, frees people from fear and confirms their dignity as children of God.
Pope Calls for the Defense of Human Dignity
Pope Leo concluded by stressing that every person has a unique and lasting dignity because humanity was created in God’s image.
He called on Christians to promote and defend that dignity at all times.
The Pope also said that, through Christ, people can understand their true calling and find hope beyond suffering and death.
