P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That elections in every nation may be carried out with justice, transparency and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens.
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It is difficult to say how many countries, states or cities in the world are run by governments that are really legitimate and representative of their people. There are very many places that do not come into that category. In many areas the basic practice of democracy in the election of authorities does not exist. De facto governments have put themselves into power, sometimes for many years, and seem more interested in maintaining themselves in privileged positions than in serving the people. In many places sham elections take place, controlled by the regime, and are then presented as democratic. Denying the opposition a fair share of electoral propaganda before the ballot, buying, falsifying or manipulating the votes, among other things, frustrate the people's free decision and generate violence. Even traditional democracies in western countries provoke many questions about the way in which they respect the citizens' free will, given the high cost of campaigns, the mechanisms for selecting candidates used by the parties, the games of power and private interests, and so on.
The Holy Father calls our attention to this serious situation, which exists in so many parts of the world. He invites us, as Christians, to pray and act that in elections the wellbeing of the nation or region may prevail over private interests. Let us pray, with the Holy Father, that there may be justice, transparency and honesty in the electoral processes of nations. Let us believe that building on the foundation of truth is the only way to establish a society that may grow in peace and prosperity for all.
In fact, the Church has always encouraged Christian commitment in politics and public debate, with a view to building a more just world. Moreover, the Church is called to develop an active role in educating civic conscience, so as to produce Christian leaders ready to serve their country. Jesus himself pointed out to his disciples: 'You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.' (Mt.15:13-14). It is the mission of the baptised to work for a more human and just society, also in the political sphere. The gospel must inspire Christian politicians employed in creating today's and tomorrow's society.
If we are not ready to commit ourselves by our prayer and action and also in the political sphere, we shall have no right to complain afterwards about the bad governments that we have put into power.
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