Let us pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking caring of those who have lost their jobs and giving priority to the poor.
In The Pope Video for August, Pope Francis invites us to pray for political leaders, that they might “work for the common good.”
In the video message that accompanies his prayer intention, the Pope affirms that even though “politics doesn’t have a very good reputation, it is much more noble than it appears.”
Pope Francis also invites us to thank the “many politicians who carry out their duties with a will to serve, not of power.”
TEXT OF THE POPE’s MESSAGE
Today, politics doesn’t have a very good reputation: corruption, scandals, distant from people’s day-to-day lives.
But, can we move ahead toward universal fraternity without good politics? No.
As Paul VI said, politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good.
I’m talking about POLITICS with all capital letters, not politicking. I’m talking about politics that listens to what is really going on, that’s at the service of the poor, not the kind that’s holed up in huge buildings with large hallways.
I’m speaking of the politics that’s concerned about the unemployed, and knows full well how sad a Sunday can be when Monday is just one more day not being able to work.
If we look at it this way, politics is much more noble than it appears.
Let’s be grateful for the many politicians who carry out their duties with a will to serve, not of power, who put all their efforts toward the common good.
Let us pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking caring of those who have lost their jobs and giving priority to the poorest.
Pope Francis – August 2024