To give something dignity is to give it value, to make it seem important.

But value and importance are not synonyms. They are complementary concepts. Value is a noun that indicates worth; some things have intrinsic value and for other things, their value is only given by others, extrinsically. A diamond may be valuable because it can be sold for a lot of money or because it is meaningful for the person who owns it. An idea can be a valuable contribution to a conversation. And you can value someone’s opinion. Either way, the thing is deemed to have worth that should be recognized and protected.

There are indications that Pope Leo XIV will follow in the footsteps of his immediate predecessor in emphasizing the inherent and equal dignity of all human beings.

Last year, the Vatican issued a “Declaration of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith “Dignitas Infinita” on Human Dignity, 08.04.2024,” known as the Declaration “Dignitas Infinita” on Human Dignity.