Politicians should also aspire to holiness

Secretary General of the Catholic Diocese of Yei in South Sudan has urged politicians in that country to seek to become holy politicians. 

Fr Emmanuel Lodongo Sebit told parishioners of Christ the King Cathedral in Yei that, “It is not a sin to be a politician, but acts that do not help build the nation are the things that God dislikes,” South Sudan’s Radio Easter reported.

Fr Lodongo Sebit said a Christian vision of politics should not be limited to acquiring and struggling for power. 

He urged politicians to emulate former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere whom the Church declared Servant of God in 2005. This was the first step indicating the start of the process that could lead to Nyerere’s possible beatification and eventual canonisation as a saint. 

In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI on an Apostolic Visit to Benin said Africa needs holy politicians. Pope Benedict said Africa also needs good governance which comes about as result of respect for Constitutions, free elections, independent judicial and penitential systems, and a transparent bureaucracy free from the temptation of corruption. The Pope’s message for Africa was contained in the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, “Africae munus.” The Exhortation was the result of the Second African Synod of Bishops.

Pope Benedict described saints as people reconciled with God and neighbour, who are exemplary heralds of justice and are apostles of peace. 

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