Exercising the Ecclesial Right in the Defense of Fundamental Human Rights (Canon 747 §2)

Abstract

The Catholic Church enjoys the right to proclaim moral principles even in the social order and to defend fundamental human rights at all times (c. 747 §2). The papal prayer intention of April 2021 once again brings to the fore, the ecclesial right to safeguard human rights, those that have been agreed upon within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but continue to be violated. The article examines the social and ecclesial implications that are inherent in the exercise of the ecclesial right. This includes the participatory role of every level of ecclesial governance from the papal magisterium to the lay faithful to promote and defend fundamental human rights, and to denounce violations to human dignity and values. The text presents three pastoral indications in accordance with the norm of law and magisterial teachings, to promote the ecclesial right to protect human rights.