Pope Francis: A ‘good Christian’ prays for bad politicians

c. 2013 Religion News Service

ROME (RNS) Wading into ongoing debates over religion and politics, Pope Francis on Sunday (Sept. 15) gently chided Christians to pray for politicians, saying “a Christian who does not pray for his leaders is not a good Christian.”

The pope’s remarks during a two-hour closed-door meeting of Roman clergy did not touch on more controversial issues like the separation between church and state, abortion, or refusing Communion to Catholic politicians who are not in sync with church teachings.