Pope Leo XIV calls for promoting human dignity

Pope Leo XIV called on Christians to promote and defend the dignity of every human person during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on September 9, 2026. Speaking to Portuguese speakers, the pope said that people can help overcome lies and distortions regarding human dignity by using the strength of the Gospel.

The pope's remarks were part of a series of talks on documents from the Second Vatican Council. He noted that the first chapter of the constitution Gaudium et Spes establishes that the world's most cherished values are rooted in the inherent dignity of the human person. He described human dignity as a responsibility entrusted to every individual that requires solidarity and mutual care.

Pope Leo XIV stated that sin disfigures the image of God in human beings and that historical choices have often run counter to human dignity. He characterized human life as a struggle between good and evil that can hinder the realization of this dignity through various manipulations.