Amidst contemporary debates, U.S. Catholic church officials have expressed their support for a recent Vatican document emphasizing human dignity and addressing numerous modern ethical dilemmas.
Titled “Dignitas Infinita” (“Infinite Dignity”) and published by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on April 8, the document examines the scriptural and doctrinal foundations of the Church’s views on human dignity, derived from the creation of individuals in God’s image and their redemption through Christ.
Developed over five years, the document emphasizes the complexity of the topic and, as explained by dicastery prefect Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, attempts to provide clarity where the notion of human dignity may otherwise be interpreted ambiguously.
Chieko Noguchi, a representative for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed the document, noting its reinforcement of the Church’s historical position on recognizing, respecting, and safeguarding human dignity in various contexts.
The text addresses several “grave violations” such as poverty, war, migration issues, human trafficking, sexual abuse, exploitation of women, abortion, surrogacy, euthanasia, assisted suicide, discrimination against individuals with disabilities, gender identity discussions, sex reassignment procedures, and digital maltreatment, amongst others.
Several pastoral leaders have positively received the document’s direct approach to these matters. Father James Martin, for example, appreciated the declaration’s opposition to violence against LGBTQ individuals, yet expressed hopes that language around gender wouldn’t further mar the transgender community facing significant persecution.
Co-founders of the Springs in the Desert ministry, Ann Koshute and Kimberly Henkel, praised the document’s firm stance against surrogacy, and Charleen Katra of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability echoed the call for greater inclusion and participation of people with disabilities within society and the Church.
Amanda Achtman from Canada commended the Vatican’s stance on opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide, emphasizing the sanctity and value of life despite one’s circumstances. Meanwhile, Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy from the Catholic Mobilizing Network found the declaration’s denouncement of the death penalty and torture to be a beacon of hope, particularly in the United States.
The document also explores the consequences of the digital era on human dignity, with experts like Brett Robinson reflecting on the topic and Lesley Kirzeder considering the broader implications of a digitalized reality on our perceptions of the world and God.
Gina Christian, a multimedia reporter with OSV News, provided insights on these developments. Follow the story for further updates on X (formerly known as Twitter) via @GinaJesseReina.
FAQs about the Vatican Document on Human Dignity
What is “Dignitas Infinita”?
“Dignitas Infinita” is a Vatican document that sets out the Catholic Church’s views on human dignity based on biblical teachings, emphasizing that every person is created in the image of God and redeemed by Christ.
Who wrote “Dignitas Infinita”?
The document was written by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and approved by Pope Francis.
What issues does the document address?
It addresses numerous ethical dilemmas, including poverty, war, migration, human trafficking, sexual abuse, exploitation of women, abortion, surrogacy, euthanasia, assisted suicide, the marginalization of individuals with disabilities, gender identity, sex reassignment procedures, and digital violence.
How has the U.S. Catholic community responded to the document?
U.S. Catholic pastoral leaders have largely welcomed the document for its comprehensive exploration of human dignity, particularly as it relates to contentious modern issues.
Is the document binding on Catholics?
While not a matter of formal doctrine or dogma, Vatican documents like “Dignitas Infinita” offer authoritative guidance on moral and ethical matters that Catholics are encouraged to study and follow.
Conclusion
The release of “Dignitas Infinita” marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church as it reaffirms its commitment to upholding the intrinsic dignity of every person across various spheres of life. The document strikes at the heart of many challenging ethical questions, providing Church teachings as a guiding light for followers. The support from U.S. pastoral leaders underlines the document’s potential to inspire and incite dialogues on promoting human dignity within the Church and throughout diverse communities in contemporary society.