We are in plenary session of the Executive Council electoral period. Social and political responsibility will demand from us in a few days the exercise of the vote. To see how so many simple or cultivated people roll up their sleeves with enthusiasm to defend ideas and try to provide solutions to unresolved social problems, moves and stirs the conscience of many. 

Some, in some environments, may think: are there not some people within the clergy who are prepared to act in an activity of such transcendence for the good of all? But, even if they had past experience and adequate preparation, if they are pastors in the Church, they should avoid entering the political arena. They have not become priests to "actively participate in political parties". Not even for causes as just as these. Their task has even greater breadth and depth. And the latter is what cannot be thwarted. The pastors of the Church are so to be open to all, without exception. The ecclesial ministry itself demands that political activity be left to others.

It is true that in some exceptional and serious situations, in order to defend the common good or the legitimate rights of the Church, one could act differently, although the risks and the easily negative consequences are obvious. But clerics should not decide for themselves something so delicate. In such situations, the ecclesiastical authority is the competent authority to guarantee an appropriate decision.