On April 8, 2024, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a declaration ‘Dignitas infinita’ (Infinite Dignity), a doctrinal declaration on human dignity that was approved by Pope Francis. The declaration outlines the importance of human dignity, explains its connection to God, and condemns various contemporary violations of human dignity.
This article delves into the theological foundations of human dignity as presented in Dignitas infinita. The declaration is divided into four main parts, with the first three sections recalling fundamental principles related to human dignity, and the fourth outlining modern violations of human dignity. The introduction presents the possibility of a fourfold distinction of the concept of dignity: (a) ontological dignity, (b) moral dignity, (c) social dignity, and (d) existential dignity.
- Ontological dignity is the most significant, as it ‘belongs to the person as such simply because he or she exists and is willed, created, and loved by God’ and ‘remains valid beyond any circumstances.’
- Moral dignity pertains to how ‘people exercise their freedom.’ When people act against their conscience, they behave in a way that is ‘not dignified’ with respect to their nature as creatures who are loved by God and called to love others. When people exercise their freedom against the law of love, they can commit acts of evil against others, thereby losing their traits of humanity and dignity. This distinction highlights the difference between moral dignity, which can be ‘lost,’ and ontological dignity, which can never be annulled. Herein lies the importance of intervention, so that those who do evil may convert and repent.
- Social dignity refers to the ‘quality of a person’s living conditions.’ ‘For example, in cases of extreme poverty, where individuals do not even have what is minimally necessary to live according to their ontological dignity, it is said that those poor people are living in an undignified’ The conditions in which they are forced to live contradict their inalienable dignity.
- Existential dignity is the type of dignity implied in the ever-increasing discussion about a dignified life and one that is undignified. For example, even though some people seem to have everything in life, they may struggle to live with peace, joy, and hope. The declaration notes that situations like the presence of serious illnesses, violent family environments, pathological addictions, and other hardships may lead people to experience their life conditions as undignified, despite being aware of their inherent ontological dignity.
- Progressive Developments on the Concept of Dignity
The first part of the declaration acknowledges the gradual development of the idea of human dignity in Christian thought. Even in classical antiquity, though not in the contemporary sense, the notion of dignity began to emerge.
- Old Testament: In the Old Testament, we see, human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, bestowing dignity upon them. In addition, in the Old Testament, God and the prophets denounce injustices and call for the protection of the rights of the poor and the vulnerable.
- New Testament: In fact, Jesus affirms the above said Old Testament attitude through His life and works as described in the New Testament. The new commandment of love that the Apostles then start spreading, guides every Christian to live according to the requirements of dignity and respect for the rights of all people, regardless of the ties of blood or religion.
Fr Dr Binny Mary Das
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