Rome, Italy, May 26, 2011 / 14:06 pm
Lay Catholics should “personally participate in public life” and “cultivate a spirit of sincere and loyal cooperation with the State,” Pope Benedict XVI told the bishops of Italy on the 150th anniversary of the country’s founding.
“Do not hesitate to encourage the lay faithful to overcome any spirit of close-mindedness, distraction and indifference and to personally participate in public life,” the Pope said.
He urged the bishops to facilitate formation for the laity to enable them to effectively operate within the public square.
“Encourage training initiatives inspired by the social doctrine of the Church, so that those who have political and administrative responsibilities do not fall victim to the temptation to exploit their position for personal gain or the thirst for power,” the Pope said.