Pope, at audience, says those in power must rule with justice

Published: 2004-12-01

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Those who govern have a moral obligation to protect the poor and oppressed, Pope John Paul II said. During his weekly general audience at the Vatican Dec.1, the pope said that justice for all, especially the poor, is "fundamental for good government." The Bible says that violating their rights is "an act against God, a religious crime," he said. During his talk at the packed Pope Paul VI audience hall, the pope, inspired by Psalm 72, stressed the duty of those in power to commit themselves to moral integrity. Good governments and rulers will exercise justice "above all with regard to the poor, who usually are the victims of the powerful," the pope said.

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