The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. (USCCB)
Human Life and Dignity
For the Church, there is no distinction between defending human life and promoting the dignity of the human person.
The Unborn
"God loves each human life from the instant of his or her conception and entrusts this gift to the protection of a mother and father. Abortion ends the life of a child and offends God. It also deeply wounds the men and women involved." USCCB
Human Trafficking
"Creating a world where immigrants, refugees, migrants and people on the move are treated with dignity, respect welcome and belonging." Migration and Refugee Services Vision Statement, USCCB
Assisted Suicide
"To live in a manner worthy of our human dignity, and to spend our final days on this earth in peace and comfort, surrounded by loved ones - that is the hope of each of us. In particular, Christian hope sees these final days as a time to prepare for our eternal destiny." USCCB
War and Peace
"We ask the risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace. Yes, Christ is our peace, and through him we implore peace for all the world." Pope Francis, Urbi et Orbi message 3/31/13
Capital Punishment
"The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform." Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 1995