VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Mature democracies must shun the temptation to glorify an individual political figure and make sure the rule of law prevails over partisan interests, Pope Francis said on Monday.
Without naming any country or any specific incident in his speech to diplomats, he spoke of last year’s events “in countries with a long democratic tradition” that had demonstrated the need for an “inclusive, peaceful, constructive and respectful dialogue”. “.
“The development of a democratic consciousness demands overcoming the emphasis on individual personalities and prevailing respect for the rule of law,” he said, without naming any individual politician.
“In fact, the law is the indispensable requirement for the exercise of all power and must be guaranteed by the responsible governing bodies, regardless of the dominant political interests,” he said.
Recent years have seen an increase in populist politicians in the United States, Latin America and some European countries.
Democracy demands the pursuit of an “inclusive, peaceful, constructive and respectful dialogue between all components of civil society in all cities and nations,” the pope said.
Francis made his remarks in a lengthy speech at his annual meeting with diplomats accredited to the Vatican, which maintains relations with more than 180 countries.
Report by Philip Pullella; Edited by Alison Williams