Pope: Politics is a Big Part of the Lay Vocation

The role of the laity in the temporal order, and especially in politics, is key for the evangelization of society, the Pope affirmed today.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (Zenit) - A big part of the vocation of Christian laypeople is their participation in politics, says Benedict XVI.

The role of the laity in the temporal order, and especially in politics, is key for the evangelization of society, the Pope affirmed today when he received in audience the bishops of Paraguay. The prelates have been in Rome since Sept. 8 on their five-yearly visit.

Led by Bishop Ignacio Gogorza Izaguirre of Encarnacion,the president of the Paraguayan episcopal conference, the bishops met with the Holy Father this morning in the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo.

Benedict XVI explained that the specific vocation of the laity "consists in instilling the Christian spirit in the temporal order and transforming it according to the divine plan." He affirmed that "a significant aspect of their mission" is "the exercise of politics."

Hence, it is necessary "to encourage them to live this important dimension of social charity with responsibility and dedication," in order to promote "justice, honesty and the defense of true and authentic values, such as the safeguarding of human life, marriage and the family," he added. In this way, "they contribute to the real human and spiritual good of the whole society."

Evangelization

The Pontiff acknowledged that the challenges for Christians in Paraguay "are really great and complex," especially because of "a cultural environment that attempts to marginalize God from people and society, or that considers him an obstacle to happiness."

Given this reality, "a huge missionary effort" is urgent, the Holy Father said, encouraging a plan that by "placing Jesus Christ at the center of all pastoral action, will make known to all the beauty and truth of his life and of his message of salvation."

"Men need that personal encounter with the Lord, which will open to them the doors of an existence enlightened by the grace and love of God," added the Pope.To achieve this, "the presence of true testimonies of genuine Christian life" is necessary, as well as "the holiness of pastors," he emphasized.

In this connection, the Holy Father invited the bishops to reinforce internal communion and "union with the See of Peter," as well as to especially nourish priestly vocations.

Priests, Benedict XVI said, "moved by a deep sense of love and obedience to the Church" must "work ceaselessly, offering to all the only food that can satiate man's hunger for fullness, Jesus Christ Our Lord."

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"At the same time," he added, "the joy, conviction and fidelity with which presbyters live their vocation each day will inspire in many youth the desire to follow Christ in the priesthood, responding to his call with generosity."