St Thomas More: patron of statesmen and politicians

On Friday, the Catholic Church is celebrating the feasts of St John Fisher and St Thomas More. It is appropriate to remember that it was Pope John Paul II who in his Apostolic Letter on October 31, 2000, declared St Thomas More the heavenly patron of statesmen and politicians.

In his letter the late Pontiff stated: "Recently, several heads of state and government, numerous political figures, and some Episcopal Conferences and individual bishops have asked me to proclaim St Thomas More the patron of statesmen and politicians.

"Those supporting this petition include people from different political, cultural and religious allegiances, and this is a sign of the deep and widespread interest in the thought and activity of this outstanding statesmen."

The Holy Father reminds the faithful that St Thomas More had a remarkable political career in England, while his deep religious sentiment led him to pursue the assiduous practice of ascetism. Historians note that Thomas attended daily Mass in the parish church, but the austere penances that he practised were known only to his immediate family.

He was elected to parliament for the first time in 1504 under King Henry VII. The latter's successor, Henry VIII, renewed his mandate in 1510, and even appointed him the Crown's representative in the capital.

This launched him on a prominent career in public administration. Highly esteemed by everyone "for his unfailing moral integrity, sharpness of mind, his open and humorous character and his extraordinary learning, in 1529 at a time of political and economic crisis in the country, he was appointed by the King to the post of Lord Chancellor.

"The first layman to occupy this position, Thomas More faced an extremely difficult period as he sought to serve King and country."

In his Apostolic Letter, Pope John Paul II wrote: "In fidelity to his principles, Thomas More concentrated on promoting justice and restraining the harmful influence of those who advanced their own interests at the expense of the weak.

"In 1532, not wishing to support Henry VIII's intention to take control of the Church in England, he resigned. He withdrew from public life, resigning himself to suffering poverty with his family and being deserted by many people who, in the moment of trial, proved to be false friends."

Historians say that, given his inflexible firmness in rejecting any compromise with his own conscience, in 1534 the King had him imprisoned in the Tower of London, where has was subjected to various kinds of psychological pressure.

Thomas More, the late Pope said in his Apostolic Letter, "did not allow himself to waver and he refused to take the oath requested of him, since this would have involved accepting a political and ecclesiastical arrangement that prepared the way for uncontrolled despotism.

"At his trial, Thomas More made an impassioned defence of his convictions on the indissolubility of marriage, the respect due to the juridical patrimony of Christian civilization, and the freedom of the Church in its relations with the State. Condemned by the court, he was beheaded."

The Pontiff further stressed that there are many reason for proclaiming Thomas More patron of statesmen and politicians. "Among these is the need felt by the world of politics and public administration for credible role models able to indicate the path of truth at a time in history when difficult challenges and crucial responsibilities are increasing."