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social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citi-
zens” (
Evangelii Gaudium
, no. 220). The obligation to participate in political
life is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear
Christian witness in all we do. As the
Catechism of the Catholic Church
reminds
us, “It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role,
in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of
the human person. . . . As far as possible citizens should take an active part in
public life” (nos. 1913-1915).
14. Unfortunately, politics in our country often can be a contest of powerful
interests, partisan attacks, sound bites, and media hype. The Church calls for a
different kind of political engagement: one shaped by the moral convictions of
well-formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the
pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and the vulner-
able. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Politics, though often denigrated, remains
a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks
the common good. . . . I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are
genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!”
(
Evangelii Gaudium
, no. 205). The Catholic call to faithful citizenship affirms
the importance of political participation and insists that public service is a
worthy vocation. As citizens, we should be guided more by our moral convic-
tions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group. When nec-
essary, our participation should help transform the party to which we belong;
we should not let the party transform us in such a way that we neglect or deny
fundamental moral truths or approve intrinsically evil acts. We are called to
bring together our principles and our political choices, our values and our
votes, to help build a civilization of truth and love.
15. Clergy and lay people have complementary roles in public life. We bishops
have the primary responsibility to hand on the Church’s moral and social
teaching. Together with priests and deacons, assisted by religious and lay
leaders of the Church, we are to teach fundamental moral principles that help
Catholics form their consciences correctly, to provide guidance on the moral
dimensions of public decisions, and to encourage the faithful to carry out their
responsibilities in political life. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Church’s
leaders avoid endorsing or opposing candidates. As Pope Benedict XVI stated
in
Deus Caritas Est
,
The Church wishes to help form consciences in political life
and to stimulate greater insight into the authentic require-