On Monday, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the Vatican released Dignitas Infinita (Infinite Dignity), which I gratefully received. With compassion, pastoral care, and a deep understanding of movements in our world today, the declaration clearly reminds us of the inherent, God-given dignity of every human person and outlines challenges we must address to ensure that dignity is upheld.
Dignitas Infinita highlights numerous grave violations of human dignity facing society today, including abortion, euthanasia, surrogacy, gender ideology, mistreatment of people with disabilities, violence against women, sexual abuse, poverty, and human trafficking.
The declaration reminds all Catholics of the value and dignity of every human person, from the earliest stages through the final hours, “regardless of one's physical, psychological, social, or even moral deficiencies.” We must strive to be vigilant against the grave violations of human dignity aggressively being perpetuated in our world. As Catholics, we “cannot separate faith from the defense of human dignity, evangelization from the promotion of a dignified life, and spirituality from a commitment to the dignity of every human being,” the declaration states.
In our confused world, this document reaffirms an important aspect of the Church's teaching. It offers a clear, timely response to critical challenges facing men, women, and families today. Such difficulties reflect a profound lack of understanding about the truth of human dignity. In response, the declaration proposes the Church's beautiful, coherent, and consistent vision.
My brother priests and I will be studying the document and incorporating it into our preaching. I encourage all the faithful to accompany us in this pursuit. The declaration exhorts us to “work with all our might so that those who have done evil may repent and convert.” May the Holy Spirit grant us all zeal for souls! Please join me in praying that our Lord and his Blessed Mother will guide us as we bring this truth, clothed in the love of Christ, to our troubled times.
