Dignitatis Humanae - Declaration on Religious Freedom

The text is an excerpt from the Declaration on Religious Freedom, formally known as Dignitatis Humanae. This document, issued by Pope Paul VI in 1965, articulates the Catholic Church's understanding of the right to religious freedom. It argues that this right is rooted in the inherent dignity of the human person and is essential for the pursuit of truth and the practice of religion. The document emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals and communities from coercion in matters of religion, while also affirming the Church's role as a spiritual authority and its right to operate independently within society. It calls upon governments to guarantee religious freedom through constitutional protections and to create an environment where individuals can freely exercise their religious beliefs without fear of discrimination or persecution.