"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern." - Pope Francis, 9/16/13
"The Church cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice." - Pope Benedict XVI
“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” ― Pope John Paul II
As Catholics, it is important for us to remember that although we are in this world, we are not to be of this world. We are to be citizens of the Kingdom of God. There are many voices in today's world that conflict with this calling. Yet, Christ's message is clear, we are to be citizens of heaven above any other citizenship we hold.
It is our faith and informed consciences that are to guide our actions in this world. As Catholics, we must recognize that no political party or human structure is fully consistent with our faith. As Catholics, we are not to be partisan. We are to recognize that Catholic values contradict much of what today's world holds popular. Therefore, we must always seek to inform our consciences so that we can make the best choices possible, in a world where perfect choices do not exist.
We must also understand that the right to life and the protection of life does not distinguish between the unborn or the elderly. We must recognize that everything that supports life is also included: healthcare, poverty, immigration, death penalty, war, and economic injustices.
We must also remember, that we are called to solidarity and not individualism. This is a special challenge in today's culture. As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we must always work for justice and peace for every member of society in every corner of our world: our homes, our communities, our cities, our nation and our world.
