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45. Catholic teaching about the dignity of life calls us to oppose torture,
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unjust
war, and the indiscriminate use of drones for violent purposes; to prevent geno-
cide and attacks against noncombatants; to oppose racism; to oppose human
trafficking; and to overcome poverty and suffering. Nations are called to protect
the right to life by seeking effective ways to combat evil and terror without
resorting to armed conflicts except as a last resort after all peaceful means have
failed, and to end the use of the death penalty as a means of protecting society
from violent crime. We revere the lives of children in the womb, the lives of
persons dying in war and from starvation, and indeed the lives of all human
beings as children of God. We stand opposed to these and all activities that
contribute to what Pope Francis has called “a throwaway culture.”
Subsidiarity
It is impossible to promote the dignity of the person without showing concern for the
family, groups, associations, local territorial realities; in short, for that aggregate of
economic, social, cultural, sports-oriented, recreational, professional and political
expressions to which people spontaneously give life and which make it possible for
them to achieve effective social growth.
(
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
, no. 185)
46. The human person is not only sacred but also social. Full human develop-
ment takes place in relationship with others. The
family
—based on marriage
between a man and a woman—is the first and fundamental unit of society and
is a sanctuary for the creation and nurturing of children. It should be defended
and strengthened, not redefined, undermined, or further distorted. Respect for
the family should be reflected in every policy and program. It is important to
uphold parents’ rights and responsibilities to care for their children, including
the right to choose their children’s education.
47. How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and
policy—directly affects the common good and the capacity of individuals to
develop their full potential. Every person and association has a right and a
duty to participate actively in shaping society and to promote the well-being
of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.