Rome: In a striking appeal to Christian elected officials from France, Pope Leo XIV underscored that political leadership rooted in faith must place Christ at its center, warning that mere advocacy of moral or social values, even if seemingly evangelical, is insufficient to bring real change to society. Speaking on Thursday to representatives from the Val-de-Marne department, the Pope emphasized that true transformation in culture, economy, education, family, health, and governance flows only from a life lived in Christ.
“The salvation that Jesus obtained through His death and resurrection,” Pope Leo stated, “touches every dimension of human life work, family, communication, education, politics, and the protection of human dignity and life itself.” Addressing the French delegation on their Jubilee journey of faith in Rome, he explained that this pilgrimage aims to strengthen their hope and equip them to serve the world more justly, humanely, and fraternally, all infused with the Gospel.
In the face of what he described as the “excesses” of Western society, the Holy Father insisted that Christians can do no better than to turn to Christ, seeking His guidance in exercising their responsibilities. By living their faith authentically, he said, political leaders not only enrich themselves personally but can better serve their constituents. The Pope warned that promoting values divorced from Christ no matter how virtuous remains powerless to effect meaningful societal change.
Acknowledging the difficulties Christian politicians face in secular contexts, where Christ and the Church are often marginalized or even mocked, Pope Leo urged them to integrate their faith fully with their public duties. “You are called to strengthen yourselves in the faith,” he said, “to deepen your understanding of the doctrine especially the social doctrine of Jesus and to apply it in your duties and legislation.”
Rooted in human nature and the natural law, this teaching, the Pope said, is recognizable by all and should be defended with conviction. It is, he emphasized, “a doctrine of salvation aiming at the good of every human being and the building of peaceful, harmonious, prosperous, and reconciled societies.” For Pope Leo, the path to meaningful political leadership is clear: values alone cannot suffice; only a Christ-centered life can truly transform the world.