Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – As a dangerous anti-political attitude continues to arise in many countries, it is extremely important to reaffirm that for Christians, politics – according to the spirit Paul VI – is a demanding form of charity. This was what was reiterated by Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, President of the Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice, who from September 29 to October 1 was in Chine and from October 2-4 will be in Guatemala, to explain what responses are offered by Catholic social doctrine, to the great challenges we face today.
Speaking at the Pontifical University of Valparaiso, the Cardinal explained the political scene at the light of the Church’s social teachings. At the center is always the human person, respect for his fundamental rights, especially that of life. Politics should be at the service of the common good and find its inspiration in an integral and solid humanism, which values the intermediary bodies, especially the family, based upon the marriage of a man and a woman. Some key values of politics, the Cardinal mentioned, are truth, justice, freedom, and charity. And politics should manage to regulate economic relations, especially the trade market, with a firm preference for the poor, and become capable of giving a humanistic orientation to the technique. With these values that do not depend upon politics, those working in this area should learn to stop itself, without sending the transcendent into exile, as a society without God runs the risk of becoming a society without man. In short, policies should be based on peace and promote peace.
The Cardinal continued his reflection by recalling the Beatitudes of the Politician, written by his predecessor as head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Servant of God Nguyen Van Thuan. Among these are: Blessed the politician who works for the common good and not for his own interests; who listens to the people before, during and after the elections; who works for unity and defends it; who has no fear of the truth or the mass media, because at the time of judgment he will answer only to God.
In Santiago de Chile, speaking at the Shrine of Saint Alberto Hurtado, to the youth from apostolic movements, Cardinal Martino reflected on the great social lessons to be learned from the Eucharist: solidarity, willingness to serve, and active commitment to social justice in defense and promotion of the dignity and rights of every human person.
“Today,” he said, “we need to reinforce the perception of politics as a place of charity, love for one’s neighbor and make moral and spiritual strength grow, so that politics can face the many and great challenges on both a national and international level: poverty, corruption, life, the family, housing, employment, and scientific research.” Finally, in recommending study and application of Catholic social doctrine, Cardinal Martino mentioned that with this teaching, the Church is not dictate laws to political powers, nor does she declare herself in favor of this or that party. Her intention is to save the human person and renew humanity. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 2/10/2008)
