In Seeking the Common Good

I ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots—and not simply the appearances—of the evils in our world!  Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good.  We need to be convinced that charity “is the principle not only of micro-relationships (with friends, with family members or within small groups) but also of macro-relationships (social, economic and political ones.”  (Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate) I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!  It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare.  Why not turn to God and ask him to inspire their plans?  I am firmly convinced that openness to the transcendent can bring about a new political and economic mind-set which would help to break down the wall of separation between the economy and the common good of society.

— Pope Francis, from The Joy of the Gospel, 205