Vatican City: During the Jubilee for Governments, Pope Leo XIV addressed an assembly of international lawmakers with a stirring message about the moral responsibilities of political leadership. At the heart of his reflection stood the figure of St. Thomas More, whom the Pope lauded as a timeless model of courage, conscience, and integrity in public service.
Speaking to delegates from 68 nations gathered at the Vatican under the banner of the International Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Holy Father emphasized that politics, when practiced with genuine intent, is more than governance—it is an act of Christian love. “Politics,” he said, “has rightly been called the highest form of charity,” especially when it seeks the good of all, and in particular the most vulnerable.
The Pope turned to the 16th-century English statesman, St. Thomas More—once Lord High Chancellor of England—calling him a "martyr for freedom and the primacy of conscience." More, who was executed for remaining faithful to his conscience and refusing to endorse King Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church, embodies the principle that truth must never be sacrificed for political convenience. “His willingness to lay down his life rather than betray the truth,” Pope Leo said, “continues to serve as a guiding light for those entrusted with public duty.”
Pope Leo XIV outlined three crucial responsibilities for those in political office:
The Pope called on politicians to rise above narrow interests and champion justice, equity, and inclusion. He condemned the growing gap between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses, warning that such disparities fuel social unrest and conflict. "Sound governance must work for fair resource distribution,” he said, “as a pathway to peace at home and abroad.”
The Pope underscored the growing need for policies that protect religious liberty and foster constructive interfaith engagement. Authentic belief in God, he said, brings immense moral value to society. Political leadership, therefore, must ensure that all faiths can coexist in mutual respect and freedom.
In an era marked by moral confusion, Pope Leo stressed the enduring relevance of natural law as a universal foundation for lawmaking. He described it as a compass—independent of religious doctrine but anchored in human nature and dignity—that can unite people of all beliefs in ethical reasoning. He also highlighted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a pillar of shared values and a protector of individual conscience.
Turning to one of the most urgent challenges of the modern age, Pope Leo warned about the implications of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging its benefits, he cautioned against allowing algorithms to erode human dignity or freedom. “Our personal lives hold more worth than any data model,” he declared, emphasizing that AI must serve humanity, not define it. He urged political leaders to ensure that technological progress remains guided by ethical boundaries and human-centered values.
In his closing remarks, Pope Leo XIV encouraged lawmakers to entrust their vocations to St. Thomas More. Quoting St. John Paul II, he reaffirmed More as a spiritual patron for those in government. “Thomas More saw politics not as a career, but as a mission grounded in truth and the defense of the human person,” the Pope said. He praised More’s dedication to justice, his protection of the poor, his advocacy for families, and his commitment to youth education.
The Holy Father concluded with a prayer that More’s example would inspire contemporary leaders to serve with integrity, courage, and compassion. Before imparting his Apostolic Blessing, Pope Leo affirmed: “May his witness guide your consciences, and may your work be a reflection of his unwavering faith and sense of justice.”