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Catholics must stay involved in political government, especially through prayer, Pope Francis said Monday in his morning homily, continuing with his call for prayer for peace in the world, according to Vatican Radio.
"A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern. But what is the best that we can offer to those who govern? Prayer! That's what Paul says: 'Pray for all people, and for the king and for all in authority,' " Francis said, reflecting on Monday's first reading from the letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:1-8).
At the same time, those in authority must love their people and stay humble in their roles as leaders, much as the centurion did when he sought out Jesus' help for an ill servant.
"Every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask themselves two questions: 'Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions in order to choose the best path?' If you don't ask those questions, your governance will not be good," he said during his homily at Casa Santa Marta, where he lives.
Even leaders who not especially good people deserve and need intercessions, the pope said. "Pray for him, pray for her, that they can govern well, that they can love their people, that they can serve their people, that they can be humble."
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