Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - “The elections are a process in which we choose leaders committed to working with the people to achieve the common good” wrote Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales Archbishop of Manila in a Pastoral Letter issued in view of parliamentary elections in the coming month of May.
Quoting Catholic Church documents on Social Doctrine the Cardinal 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 be moral criteria: “Votes cannot be sold or exchange for favours, or conditioned by any form of coercion. Votes must go to the best possible leaders ”.
Cardinal Rosales described the traits of a good politician: a person who loves and respects God, is guided by an upright and well formed conscience, attentive to the problems and wellbeing of the people; a good politician lives by moral principles, respects nature and leads others to do the same, is ready to sacrifice personal, group or party interests for the sake of national unity, peace and progress.
The Cardinal concluded recalling that “in the past uncontrolled political ambition, manoeuvres of opportunists caused great suffering and impoverished the country, making the poor ever poorer”. He urged the people to vote the humble and authentic leaders, lovers of the truth, the country needs and thanked in advance members of the civil society, security and police forces and volunteers who are ready to ensure fair, regularly and orderly elections on 14 May. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/4/2007 righe 26 parole 262)
