Committed Christian politicians are indispensable

In his pastoral visit to Cagliari, Sardegna, on September 7, Pope Benedict XVI strongly stressed in his homily the indispensable need to have committed lay Christians in the political sector: politicians competent to search with dedication and intelligence for solid moral solutions together with sustainable development.

The Lord will give them His help but they will have to take care of the rest.

A committed Christian resists the strong temptation in politics of adopting a pragmatism that would reduce politics to a mere balancing of winning votes. Above all, the committed Christian politician never compromises with his conscience. He requires not only great competence, but also an unswerving morality in the selfless and accountable exercise of power. This involves the use of legitimate authority to attain the common good of society.

It is appropriate to point out that the Pope's appeal is essentially linked with the Maltese bishops' appeal in their pastoral letter before the last general election.

In their letter, the bishops had recommended that in their choice of candidates the Maltese should vote for those who seek to co-ordinate the traditional values of our society, many of which are deeply rooted in our Christian heritage, with the common good of today's society.

They had stated: "We very much wish to entrust with a special mission all those candidates and party members who feel they are committed Christians: that in their sustained commitment in this party will deeply keep in mind their Christian heritage that will encourage them to exert their influence within their political party to improve what needs to be improved and to guide their party towards the common good.

"Such committed Christians have the great responsibility to ensure that their party will never follow principles and altitudes alien from the values of the Gospel, such as offensive words and lack of respect towards other politicians."

Indeed, politics needs to be motivated by our love for our country that is much higher than party politics.