The Dignity of the Human Person

The Catholic Church believes that every human life – whether young or old, guilty or innocent, born or unborn – is both precious and sacred. It remains as the foundation for all principles and elements of social teaching.

“At the center of all Catholic social teaching are the transcendence of God and the dignity of the human person. The human person is the clearest reflection of God's presence in the world; all of the Church's work in pursuit of both justice and peace is designed to protect and promote the dignity of every person. For each person not only reflects God, but is the expression of God's creative work and the meaning of Christ's redemptive ministry.”

- The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response
U.S. Bishops, 1983