Top 10 Pope Benedict XVI Quotes on Politics

by CAPP-USA

Pope Benedict XVI Quotes on Politics

1. Democracy is “the most valid historical instrument” for advancing human rights. (Address to Members of the Centesimus Annus Foundation)
2. “The spread of a confused cultural relativism and of a utilitarian and hedonistic individualism weakens democracy”. (Address to the 24th Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for the Laity)
3. The Church “calls Christians to a strong commitment to citizenship, to building a good life in one’s country, and likewise to an effective presence”. (Address to the 24th Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for the Laity)
4. “[I]t is up to the lay faithful to demonstrate concretely in…political life that the faith enables them to see reality in a new and profound way, and to transform it”. (Address to the 24th Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for the Laity)
5. “It is also the duty of the laity to participate actively in political life, in a manner consistently in accordance with the Church’s teaching.” (Address to the 24th Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for the Laity)
6. “Christians do not seek political or cultural hegemony but, whatever their work, they are animated by the certainty that Christ is the cornerstone of every human structure”. (Address to the 24th Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for the Laity)
7. “The church does not have technical solutions to offer and does not claim ‘to interfere in any way in the politics of states’.” (Caritas in Veritate, 9)
8. “The Church wishes to help form consciences in political life and to stimulate greater insight into the authentic requirements of justice as well as greater readiness to act accordingly.” (Deus Caritas Est, 28)
9. “There is a need for authentically Christian politicians but, even more so, for lay faithful who witness to Christ and the Gospel in the civil and political community.” (Address to the 24th Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for the Laity)
10. “We must
    • recover and reinvigorate authentic political wisdom
    • make discerning use of the research of the human sciences
    • face reality in all its aspects, going beyond any kind of ideological reductionism or utopian dream
    • show we are open to true dialogue and collaboration
    • bear in mind that politics is also a complex art of equilibrium between ideals and interests
    • never forget that the contribution of Christians can be effective only if knowledge of faith becomes knowledge of reality
    • be demanding in what concerns our own sphere of competency” (Address to the 24th Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for the Laity)