Pope to Catholic lawmakers: heed Church's moral,
social teaching
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| Members of Parliament Catholic legislators Episcopal Conference of Malawi,- RV |
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received a group
of lawmakers on Sunday, who are in Rome for a meeting of the International
Catholic Legislators Network.
ICLN origins
Founded in 2010 by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of
Vienna and British parliamentarian Lord David Alton, the ICLN brings
together Catholic legislators to discuss issues of common concern and share
ideas about how best to bring their common faith to bear on their work in favor
of the common good.
Pope Francis to ICLN: be guided by Church’s moral and
social doctrine
In his remarks to the legislators, Pope Francis noted
the broad spectrum of political opinion represented by the legislators taking
part, as well as their increased number with respect to previous years.
“As long as the contribution of the Church to
the great questions of society in our time can be put into discussion,”
said Pope Francis, “it is vital that your commitment be constantly
pervaded by her moral and social teachings, in
order to build a more humane and just society.”
The Holy Father went on to say, “The laws that you
promulgate and apply ought to build bridges between different political
perspectives: even when they respond to precise ends ordered to the promotion
of greater care for the defenseless and the marginalized, especially the many
who are constrained to leave their countries; and when they are in order to
favor a correct human and natural ecology.”
Participants encouraged by experience
“We have an opportunity to meet here with other Catholic
legislators and elected officials from other parts of the world, and to discuss
common concerns – problems, opportunities – for our faith, and how to work
together and support each other,” Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV) of
the United States Congress, who is one of the participants in this
year’s meeting of the ICLN, told Vatican Media in
an exclusive interview ahead of the meeting with Pope Francis.
Mooney went on to say that the ICLN gathering
has been for him a heartening experience.
“It’s very inspiration to see how people are fighting for
family values,” he said, “it’s just more encouraging to see faithful Catholics
from every country promoting the values of the Church.”
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