Pope Benedict: Christian Politicians are needed

(20 Jun 09 - RV) On Saturday Pope Benedict said that Christian politicians are needed in the world of public administration today.
His comments came as he recalled Italian politician Alcide De Gasperi, stressing that spirituality and politics were two dimensions of his life.
Pope Benedict paid tribute to the late Italian statesman Alcide de Gasperi, saying he was capable of transforming his faith into concrete deeds  and that spirituality and politics were two dimensions of his life that characterised his social actions.    The Pope’s  remarks came in an address to the Council of the De Gasperi Foundation. He said that whilst  De Gasperi was  obedient to the church he was independent and showed responsibility in his  political choices.  He also didn’t use the church for political ends and never stooped to make compromises with his upright conscience. Pope Benedict recalled how during his time as a politician De Gasperi experienced difficulties and incomprehension, including from some quarters of the Church.  However, the Pope said de Gasperi’s experience in government and his Christian witness should be an encouragement and example to those who govern in today’s Italy’s and elsewhere, especially on account of his inspiration from the Gospel.