AFRICA/CONGO DR - Catholic politicians working to fight corruption that leads to poverty

Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – Corruption can paralyze the efforts for political, economic, social, moral, and spiritual recuperation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congolese Bishops said during a national seminar held by Catholic Politicians, held in Kinshasa. The encounter was organized by the Bishops' Commission for Lay Apostolate (CEAL).
The Catholic Church in Congo is launching an appeal for good government, through Catholics working in politics and public administration. “We hope that the Catholic politicians can become models, that they can become aware of the issue, of this practice that is at the point of wiping out our society, because corruption – whether we like it or not – does not help in a nation's development,” said Fr. Ambrogio, Secretary of the CEAL.
The priest mentions that corruption breeds poverty: “Just as in times of war, some strike it rich, others use corruption to make themselves rich. This means that others are left in poverty because of corruption.”
At the end of the three-day conference, the Catholic politicians made their commitment in a Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Gombe, Kinshasa, to fight against the national and local corruption.
According to the non-governmental organization “Transparency International,” six of the most corrupt nations worldwide are in Africa, among which are the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea, which occupy the 171st place on the international list (the least corrupt nations occupying the first places). (LM) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2009)