Pope Leo XIV delivers catechesis on human dignity

In brief

Pope Leo XIV taught that human dignity is a gift from God that must be protected and defended during a general audience on Wednesday, September 9. This session was the second in a series of teachings regarding the documents of the Second Vatican Council.

During the catechesis, the Pope focused on the first chapter of the pastoral constitution Gaudium et spes. He explained that human dignity does not depend on a person's abilities, wealth, social status, or whether they make right or wrong decisions. Instead, he stated that dignity is rooted in God's love and is a gift that precedes and transcends the individual.