Pope says public officials' role is sacred

(October 14, 2011) Government civil service is so prominent and distinguished that it assumes an almost sacred character; which is why one needs to carry it out with great dignity and a true sense of responsibility. Pope Benedict XVI made the point to the prefects of Italy, whom he received in the Vatican on Friday on the occasion of 150^th anniversary of the Italian Unification being marked this year. The prefects who are top administrative officials representing the government at the local levels were led by Interior Minister Roberto Maroni. “You who are top representatives of the state, are called to combine competency and professionalism in the exercise of your responsibilities, especially in moments of tension and conflict,” the Pope advised. He noted that in the public eye, the figure of the prefect is seen more and more as a reference point for solutions to social problems and as mediation and guarantee for essential public services. The Pope admitted that in their role of protecting the weakest in society, their job was not easy, especially with the current social and economic uncertainty. He urged the officials not to be discouraged by difficulties and misunderstandings, but to be ready always to carry out the tasks entrusted to them with a great sense of duty and prudence, in full respect for truth and with courage to defend the supreme values. The German Pope reminded the prefects how through centuries, the Christian faith has profoundly marked the vast territories of Italy with rich cultural and universal values. In her duty to serve man in every context of his, the Pope said the Catholic Church is well rooted and working at the grassroots level in the land. In this task, the Pope said, the Church can surely count on the working cordial collaboration of prefects whose role as impetus and social cohesion and guarantee of civil rights, is an a important reference point for the various regional components, including dioceses and parishes.