Pope Leo XIV Calls for Promoting and Protecting Human Dignity

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians to promote and protect the dignity of every human person, warning against ideas and practices that distort the true value of human life. Speaking during his weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on September 9, Pope Leo said that every human being possesses a unique and lasting dignity because humanity is created in the image of God. The Pope encouraged Christians to defend this dignity with the light and strength of the Gospel. He said that protecting human dignity is not only an individual responsibility but also requires solidarity, mutual care and concern for others. Continuing his reflections on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo referred to Gaudium et Spes, which teaches that the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of many of the values that society seeks to protect. The Pope acknowledged that throughout history, human choices have often gone against this dignity. He described human life, both individually and collectively, as a struggle between good and evil, adding that sin can distort the image of God within humanity. Pope Leo also warned against treating the human body merely as an object that can be used or disposed of according to personal choice. He said that recognizing the human person as a unity of body and soul, with a dignity rooted in God, is essential for addressing both longstanding and modern challenges. According to the Pope, human dignity does not depend on a person's abilities, wealth, social position or even the right or wrong choices that person makes. Rather, dignity is a gift from God that exists before and transcends these circumstances. Pope Leo emphasized that every human being is created in God’s image and is called to live in relationship and communion with God and with others. He said people are not made for isolation but for participation, mutual acceptance and service. He described human beings as gifts who grow through relationships, reciprocity and service. He also highlighted the gifts of intelligence, conscience and freedom, which enable people to seek truth, recognize their calling and choose what is good. The Pope further explained that the Holy Spirit gives believers freedom in Christ and continually reminds them of their identity and dignity as children of God. Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV encouraged Christians to help one another protect and defend the dignity given by God and to journey together toward eternal life.