Manila, Philippines, Apr 24, 2007 / 09:39 am
A good politician is a person who loves and respects God and is ready to sacrifice personal, group or party interests for the sake of national unity, peace and progress, said Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, archbishop of Manila, in a pastoral letter issued in view of parliamentary elections May 14.
Furthermore, a good politician is guided by an upright and well formed conscience, is attentive to the problems and wellbeing of the people; lives by moral principles, respects nature and leads others to do the same, the Cardinal added.
According to Fides, the Cardinal cited the Catholic Church’s social doctrine and said it is important to elect candidates known for their honesty, transparency and justice in both private and public life, and that the choice must be guided by moral criteria.
“Votes cannot be sold or exchanged for favors, or conditioned by any form of coercion. Votes must go to the best possible leaders,” he reportedly wrote.
“The elections are a process in which we choose leaders committed to working with the people to achieve the common good,” he said.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA