One of the four defining principles of social teaching:
Peace is based on respect for the rights of all. Conscious of this, the Church champions the fundamental rights of each person.Pope Benedict XVI, World Day of Peace Message, 2007
In today's world, a world of unprecedented advances in many fields and yet one marked by crushing poverty, intractable conflicts, bloody violence and widespread denial of human rights, building an international order on the foundation of fundamental human rights is not simply a moral ideal; it is a practical necessity...
Today's advances in human knowledge and capacity offer humanity an unparalleled opportunity to affirm in law and practice the human dignity of every person, regardless of their religious tradition, social status, ethnic background, racial group, or national origin.
But to move toward greater respect for human rights, humanity's technological and economic achievements must be matched by moral advancement, greater commitment to human rights and the active pursuit of the universal common good of peace with justice. In the words of our late Holy Father, a genuine respect for human rights throughout the world would represent "a true milestone on the path of humanity's moral progress."Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski
CST 101: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CST 101 is a collaborative 7-part video series presented by the USCCB and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic Social Teaching. Learn from Cardinal Seán O'Malley, Helen Alvaré, and Bill O'Keefe as they discuss the Rights and Responsibilities.