Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of praying for political leaders, inviting us to join him in praying for this intention this month.

In the video accompanying his message, produced by his Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope reminds us that we cannot “move ahead toward universal fraternity without good politics,” and to be grateful for “the many politicians who carry out their duties with a will to serve, not of power, who put all their efforts toward the common good.”

Even though “politics doesn’t have a very good reputation” today, Pope Francis invites us to see politics as “one of the highest forms of charity,” in search of the common good.

“Let us pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking caring of those who have lost their jobs and giving priority to the poorest.”