On Monday, April 8, the Vatican issued a document that had been in the works for five years; it’s called “Dignitas Infinita” or “Infinite Dignity,” a title that comes from John Paul II’s words to people living with disabilities. Although the more controversial sections got the most attention, the document focuses on 13 human dignity concerns: Poverty, War, Migrants, Human Trafficking, Sexual Abuse, Violence Against Women, Abortion, Surrogacy, Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, The Marginalization of People with Disabilities, Gender Theory, Sex Change, and Digital (online) Violence.
On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell analyze the document. Since much of what is covered in the document has already been addressed by the Vatican, Colleen asks, why publish this declaration now? And why did it take five years to put together?
Colleen and Gerry also examine the more controversial sections of the document, explaining what the Vatican is referring to when it talks about “gender theory” and why it has so strongly condemned surrogacy in recent years.
The hosts also give an update on Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Asia.
Links from the show:
New Vatican doc ‘Dignitas Infinita’: What it says on gender theory, surrogacy, poverty and more
‘Dignitas Infinita’ is clear: Human dignity is under threat—and Catholics are called to action.
Cardinal Fernández explains the ‘novelty’ of new Vatican doc on dignity
Vatican condemnation of “gender theory” a moment of whiplash for LGBTQ Catholics
Transgender Catholics call the church to listen, says this Franciscan sister
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