Youcat commented through CCC - Question n. 56 - Part II.

YOUCAT Question n. 56 - Part II. Does man have a special place in creation?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Yes. Man is the summit of creation, because God created him in his image (Gen 1:27).       

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 355) "God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them" (Gen 1:27). Man occupies a unique place in creation: he is "in the image of God"; in his own nature he unites the spiritual and material worlds; he is created "male and female"; God established him in his friendship.       

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) The creation of man is clearly distinguished from the creation of other living things. Man is a person, which means that through his understanding and will he can decide for or against love.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 358) God created everything for man (Cf. GS 12 § 1; 24 § 3; 39 § 1),  but man in turn was created to serve and love God and to offer all creation back to him: What is it that is about to be created, that enjoys such honor? It is man that great and wonderful living creature, more precious in the eyes of God than all other creatures! For him the heavens and the earth, the sea and all the rest of creation exist. God attached so much importance to his salvation that he did not spare his own Son for the sake of man. Nor does he ever cease to work, trying every possible means, until he has raised man up to himself and made him sit at his right hand (St. John Chrysostom, In Gen. sermo II, 1: PG 54, 587D-588A).       

(This question: Does man have a special place in creation?  is continued)