The following is the text of the Pope’s video with the prayer intention for the month of August, disseminated via the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, on the theme: 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:

Video Message of the Holy Father

Today, politics doesn’t have a very good reputation: corruption, scandals, distant from people’s day-to-day lives.

But, can we move ahead toward universal fraternity without good politics? No.

As Paul VI said, politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good.

I’m talking about POLITICS with all capital letters, not politicking. I’m talking about politics that listens to what is really going on, that’s at the service of the poor, not the kind that’s holed up in huge buildings with large hallways.

I’m speaking of the politics that’s concerned about the unemployed, and knows full well how sad a Sunday can be when Monday is just one more day not being able to work.

If we look at it this way, politics is much more noble than it appears.

Let’s 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.

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.