Politicians should live and act based on faith, and strive to maintain a unified persona, according to the Pope's advice.

Pope Leo XIV addressed a group of politicians and civic leaders from France on August 28, delivering a speech in French at the Vatican. The group was led by Bishop Dominique Blanchet from the Diocese of Créteil.

The pope emphasised that Christianity is not just a private devotion but a way of living in society. He stated that faith in Jesus has implications for various aspects of human life, including culture, economy, work, family, marriage, respect for human dignity and life, health care, communication, education, and politics.

According to Pope Leo, a public figure should not have a split personality with a politician on one side and a Christian on the other. Instead, a public figure should live out their commitments and responsibilities as a Christian. He encouraged the group to apply the teachings in the exercise of their duties and in the drafting of laws.

The pope's speech underscored that the Catholic social teaching is deeply imbued with the Gospel. He urged the group to unite themselves more with Jesus and live and bear witness to him. The pope prayed that the Jubilee Year pilgrimage would help the pilgrims return to their daily commitments strengthened in hope.

Pope Leo also recommended that French politicians and civilians adopt a political mandate focused on peace and negotiation rather than continued conflict. He emphasised dialogue and prayer for peace, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war.

The pope did not express fear in proposing and defending the Catholic social teaching with conviction. He stated that the foundations of Catholic social teaching are in harmony with human nature and the natural law.

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV's address to the French politicians and civic leaders highlighted the importance of integrating Christian values into public life. He encouraged them to study Catholic doctrine, particularly the social teaching of the church, and to apply its principles in their duties and laws. The pope's call for peace and negotiation, especially in the context of the Ukraine war, underscores the Church's role in promoting reconciliation and harmony in society.

Politicians should live and act based on faith, and strive to maintain a unified persona, according to the Pope's advice.