Duc in Altum

In in address to 500 parliamentarians of the European Popular Party, the Holy Father listed three essential principles which are to guide politicians:

-- "protection of life in all its stages, from the first moment of conception to natural death";

-- "recognition and promotion of the natural structure of the family -- as a union between a man and a woman based on marriage -- and its defense from attempts to make it juridically equivalent to radically different forms of union which in reality harm it and contribute to its de-stabilization, obscuring its particular character and its irreplaceable social role";

-- and "the protection of the right of parents to educate their children." Source

Interestingly, Benedict XVI pointed out that these truths are not confessional truths. Instead, they are part of the natural law, and as such are "common to all humanity." He added that when the Catholic Church speaks in the public square it is for the purpose of the "protection and promotion of the dignity of the person and she is thereby consciously drawing particular attention to [these three] principles which are not negotiable."

I am very grateful to the Holy Father for clearly articulating these three important principles for politicians which are indeed applicable for every person of good will. Benedict XVI has now, in the plainest terms, provided all politicians, but specifically Catholic politicians, with a clear mandate for their public service. It is a true gift because the Holy Father has so clearly described the goals of any political work.

Because today these truths are so universally denied and misunderstood, the Church must speak even more boldly in order to correct what amounts to crimes against the dignity of the human person. Every person of good will, regardless of religious affiliation, should be encouraged and enlisted to assist in the promotion of these three non-negotiable principles. I pray to God that He would raise up many men and women who are willing to answer the call to enter politics and to stand up for these truths. May God also grant all of us the courage to live out these ideals in our daily life in the many ordinary ways in which we are asked to be faithful to respecting the dignity of the human person.