A role model for politicians

As they prepare for the convening of the new Maltese parliament on May 10, Members of Parliament, both veteran and new-comers, would do well to nurture a special devotion to St Thomas More, who Pope John Paul II had proclaimed patron of statesmen and politicians in an apostolic letter dated October 31, 2000.

John Paul II presented St Thomas More as their patron on the first Sunday in November 2000 at a gathering at St Peter's Square attended by 1,500 mainly Catholic politicians and MPs from 95 countries, representing a wide political spectrum. In his homily, the Holy Father told all politicians, statesmen, world leaders:

"There are many reasons for proclaiming Thomas More patron of statesmen and people in public life. 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.

"Today, in fact, strongly innovative economic forces are reshaping social structures; on the other hand, scientific achievements in the area of biotechnology underline the need to defend human life at all its different stages, while the promises of a new society - successfully presented to a bewildered public opinion - urgently demand clear political decisions in favour of the family, young people, the elderly and the marginalised.

"In this context, it is helpful to turn to the example of St Thomas More, who distinguished himself by his constant fidelity to legitimate authority and institutions precisely in his intention to serve not power but the supreme ideal of justice. His life teaches us that government is above all an exercise of virtue.

"Unwavering in this rigorous moral stance, this English statesman placed his own public activity at the service of the person, especially if that person was weak or poor; he dealt with social controversies with a superb sense of fairness; he was vigorously committed to favouring and defending the family; he supported the all-round education of the young.

"His profound detachment from honours and wealth, his serene and joyful humility, his balanced knowledge of human nature and of the vanity of success all gave him that confident inner strength that sustained in adversity and in the face of death."