Catholic politicians are called on “first and foremost” to “try to be a witness” and propose laws consistant with a Christian view of humanity and society, Pope Francis has told a meeting of Catholic legislators.
Addressing the 9th annual meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network at the Vatican this week, the Pope addressed the issue of freedom of religion and stressed the danger in fighting “fundamentalism and intolerance” with more of the same, according to Vatican News.
He told them that religious freedom today must “consciously deal with two, equally menacing, opposing ideologies: secular relativism and religious radicalism – in reality pseudo-religious radicalism”.
The Pope also reportedly told ICLN members that while they may all play different roles in their nations, their common link is the goodwill to serve the Kingdom of God through an honest political commitment.
“Far from feeling or appearing as a hero or a victim, the Christian politician is called upon, first and foremost, like every baptised person, to try to be a witness – through humility and courage – and to propose consistent laws based on the Christian view of humanity and society, always seeking collaboration with all those who share these views,” the Pope said.
The network was formed in 2010 “as an independent and nonpartisan international initiative to bring together practicing Catholics and other Christians in elected office on a regular basis for faith formation, education and fellowship.”
