Catholic Social Teaching

“Every human person is sacred, created in the image and likeness of God.”

This truth, drawn from Genesis 1:27, is foundational to Catholic social teaching and is affirmed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (§1700–1703), Gaudium et Spes, and Evangelium Vitae.

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The Church’s call to confront human trafficking is not rooted in politics or policy—it is rooted in the Gospel. Catholic Social Teaching compels us to defend the dignity of every person, especially the most vulnerable. This mission is echoed throughout USCCB teachings and the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.

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On this page, you’ll find teachings from the Catechism, statements from the U.S. Bishops, and prophetic words from Pope Francis—each affirming the Church’s moral and spiritual duty to speak for the voiceless, shelter the oppressed, and protect the innocent.

 

These convictions are grounded in Scripture and echoed in modern Church teaching, including Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti.

 

As Psalm 82:3–4 urges: “Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

Whether you're a parish leader, catechist, or seeker, this page offers a foundation for a prayerful and informed Catholic response to the evil of modern-day slavery.