Pope to Christian Politicians: ‘Values’ Without Christ Cannot Transform the World

Rome, August 29, 2025 — Pope Leo urged Christian political leaders to root their public service in Christ, warning that values promoted without reference to Him lack the power to bring real change. Addressing elected officials from France’s Val-de-Marne region during their Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome, the Pope encouraged them to live their faith authentically, resist compromise, and witness to Christ in order to face modern challenges and build a more just society.

“The salvation Jesus won through His death and resurrection touches every dimension of human life—culture, work, economy, family, marriage, human dignity, health, communication, education, and politics,” Pope Leo told the delegation on Thursday.

He said their pilgrimage should renew their hope and equip them to return to daily commitments ready to work for a world “ever more imbued with the Gospel.”

Turn to Christ in Public Service

Confronting the “excesses” of Western society, the Pope stressed that Christians have no greater resource than Christ Himself. “Turn to Him and ask His help in fulfilling your responsibilities,” he said, noting that leaders who embrace Christ will not only find personal renewal but also serve their communities more effectively.

Because Baptism infuses charity that extends to social and political life, Christian leaders are especially called to face today’s challenges by living their faith without division. He warned that promoting even evangelical “values” becomes futile if detached from Christ: “Without Him, they cannot change the world.”

Faith Without Compromise

Acknowledging the pressures of secular societies where Christ and the Church are often ignored or mocked, Pope Leo urged elected officials to unite themselves ever more closely to Christ. He reminded them that their Christian identity cannot be separated from their public role.

“You are called to strengthen yourselves in the faith, deepen your understanding of doctrine—especially social doctrine—and apply it in your responsibilities and in drafting laws,” he said.

The Pope underlined that Catholic social teaching, grounded in human nature and natural law, is universally recognisable and must be proposed with conviction. He encouraged leaders not to fear defending it, since it serves the good of every person and contributes to building peaceful, harmonious, prosperous, and reconciled societies.

Courtesy: Vatican News

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