I HAVE JUST FINISHED MY FIRST READING of the newly released Vatican document on human dignity “Dignitas Infinita (“Infinite Dignity” or “DI”), published by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, with the March 25, 2024 approval of Pope Francis. Five years in the making after several revisions and modifications, the declaration “DI” “does not set out to exhaust such a rich and crucial subject” --- human dignity --- but, rather, attempts “to offer some points for reflection that can help us maintain an awareness of human dignity amid the complex historical moment in which we are living (Fernandez, Presentation).”
The declaration itself warrants more careful study than a simple “first reading” represents. At the same time, “DI” does not seem to break much “new ground” on the topics it attempts to consider, quoting heavily from the writings of Pope Francis, his recent predecessors, conciliar documents and past statements from the doctrinal office.
With regard to particular issues and concerns, “DI” appears to adopt elements of the “seamless garment” approach to moral questions that hearkens back to the 1970s and 1980s.
Read more of Bishop’s analysis HERE.THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL publishes guidelines for (arch)dioceses, eparchies, parishes and other Catholic organizations to assist them in determining whether specific activities are permitted or prohibited in connection with the ongoing political campaign season.