Pope Leo XIV: Respect for Human Dignity "excludes self-centered isolation"

In brief

Pope Leo XIV told pilgrims during a general audience on Sept. 9 that respecting human dignity requires solidarity and mutual care rather than self-centered isolation. Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, the pope urged people to take responsibility for the dignity of every person and to live through a gift of self.

The pope continued a teaching series on the Second Vatican Council document Gaudium et Spes, which addresses human dignity in its first chapter. He noted that while human dignity is the foundation for modern values, people must not lose sight of its divine source to avoid distortions. He said the path toward realizing this dignity is not yet complete and must address various old and new contradictions.

During his address, the pope referenced his recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas to explain that dignity arises from a person's very being. He stated that human dignity is rooted in being created in the image of God and being capable of knowing and loving the Creator. He added that being a person inherently implies having relationships.