During the Mass celebrated on the feast of St. Thomas Moore, patron of politicians, Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City called on authorities and politicians to promoted laws based on ethical principles and respect for the human person.

The cardinal underscored the need to pass laws that are consistent with the principles of natural ethics, as many people justify their moral preferences by the widest possible understanding of personal autonomy and freedom, even if they go against these principles.

Likewise, Cardinal Rivera recalled that a democracy in which citizens directly participated in political opinions is possible only inasmuch as it is founded on the correct concept of the human person.

“Respect for the human person is what makes democratic participation possible,” he said.