Infinite Dignity

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released "Dignitas Infinita" (Infinite Dignity) on April 8th, coinciding with the Solemnity of the Annunciation. The declaration outlines the importance of human dignity, explains its connection to God, and condemns a variety of current violations of human dignity, including human rights violations, discrimination against women, abortion and gender theory.This declaration on human dignity comprises four sections. The first three sections delve into principles and theories to elucidate the concept of "dignity," while the fourth section addresses contemporary social and moral challenges threatening human dignity, reaffirming the Church's stance against them.

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The introduction of the document establishes a fundamental clarification of the term "dignity," delineating it into four dimensions: ontological dignity, moral dignity, social dignity, and existential dignity. Ontological dignity is paramount, deriving from the inherent worth of every individual as willed and loved by God, and persists irrespective of circumstances. Moral dignity relates to how individuals exercise their freedom, while social dignity concerns living conditions. Existential dignity reflects one's perception of living a dignified or undignified life, often influenced by non-economic factors. The term underscores the uniqueness of each person, emphasizing dignity as an intrinsic and inalienable quality inherent in every human being.

The document highlights three convictions guiding the Church's affirmation of the equal dignity of all individuals. Firstly, rooted in Revelation, it asserts that human dignity originates from the Creator's love, encompassing the entirety of the human person. Secondly, the Incarnation of Jesus Christ elevates human dignity, exemplifying God's unification with humanity and proclamation of the Kingdom of God to all. Thirdly, every person possesses a vocation to the fullness of dignity, culminating in communion with God for eternity. However, the realization of inherent dignity depends on free and responsible choices aligned with the true good, albeit obscured by sin.

In rejecting movements seeking to replace human dignity with subjective criteria, the document reaffirms dignity as inherent, unconditional, and independent of individual circumstances. Human dignity is grounded in the constitutive demands of human nature and entails reciprocal obligations towards others. Moreover, recognizing the goodness of creation and caring for it are integral to human dignity. Distance from God weakens freedom and can lead to disrespect for one's own dignity and that of others.

The document proceeds to denounce specific violations of human dignity, including poverty, war, human trafficking, sexual abuse, violence against women, and inequalities between genders. It reiterates the Church's stance against offenses such as abortion, surrogacy, euthanasia, and assisted suicide, emphasizing the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. Furthermore, it advocates for the protection and support of individuals with disabilities and rejects discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Lastly, the declaration highlights the threats posed by digital violence and underscores the imperative to place respect for human dignity at the center of the commitment to the common good and every legal system. This responsibility extends to individuals and the State, with the Church fervently promoting this principle. 

Reference:https://catholicsocialthought.org.uk/dignitas-infinita-a-summary/