The Catholic Church defines truth as something universally valid and unchangeable in its substance, rooted in God Himself, who is the author of truth 1, 2. This truth is fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who is truth in person 3. The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, is entrusted with preserving, interpreting, and transmitting this revealed truth 4, 5, 6, 3, 7, 8.

Regarding reputation, the Church defines it as the good name and honor of an individual, which is a treasure and a social expression of human dignity 9, 10. Every person has a natural right to their honor, good name, and respect 10.

Truth

The Church's understanding of truth is deeply theological and philosophical:

• Divine Origin and Unchangeability Truth originates from God, who cannot deceive or be deceived 11, 1. The revealed truth taught by the Church is universally valid and unchangeable in its substance 2.
• Revelation in Christ Revelation, as attested in Sacred Scripture, culminates in Jesus Christ, who is the definitive interpreter of the Father and the truth in person 3. The Holy Spirit enables the recognition and acceptance of this truth through faith 3.
• Role of the Church and Magisterium The Church is considered the "pillar and ground of truth" (1 Tim 3:15) and is constantly guided by the Holy Spirit towards the fullness of truth 3. The Magisterium, the living teaching office of the Church, is entrusted with the authentic interpretation of the Word of God, both in Sacred Scripture and Tradition 7, 8. This fidelity to the Magisterium is seen not as an impediment to freedom but as a foundation for understanding and promoting human good 12.
• Historical Interpretation While the substance of revealed truth is unchangeable, the understanding and transmission of dogma constitute a historical task for the Church 11, 6. This involves an ongoing process of interpretation of Tradition, as seen in various ecumenical councils 11. The Church condemns interpretations that depart from the original meaning of dogma under the pretext of superior knowledge or scientific advances 11.

Reputation

Reputation is understood as a valuable aspect of a person's dignity and is protected by moral principles:

• Human Dignity and Social Witness Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and a good name is considered a treasure for the human individual 9, 10. Society has a task to care for the preservation of its citizens' honor and good name 9.
• Protection Against Injury Respect for a person's reputation forbids any attitude or word that could cause unjust injury 13, 14.
• Offenses Against Reputation
  • Rash judgment: Assuming a neighbor's moral fault without sufficient foundation 13.
  • Detraction: Disclosing another's faults or failings to those who did not know them, without objectively valid reason. This is considered an unjust damaging of another's good name, violating both charity and justice 13, 15. The gravity of detraction depends on the harm caused, considering the nature of the accusation and the character of both the detractor and the person defamed 15.
  • Calumny: Harming another's reputation by remarks contrary to the truth, leading to false judgments 13. Calumny differs from detraction in that the calumniator knows the statement to be false, while the detractor believes it to be true 15.
• Obligation of Reparation Any offense against justice and truth, including those against reputation, entails a duty of reparation. This reparation, which can be moral and sometimes material, must be proportionate to the damage inflicted and obliges in conscience 16.
• Exceptions to Secrecy While generally forbidden to reveal secret offenses, there are exceptions when it is necessary for public welfare, self-defense, the defense of others, or even for the good of the culprit 17. However, if a person's sin is public or affronts social organization, their fair fame may be destroyed, and discussing the deed may not constitute defamation 17.