Pius XII was pope during World War II, a tumultuous time in history. He witnessed nations crumble and fight against each other in an unprecedented way.
With this in mind, there exists a prayer, credited to Pius XII, that is meant to be prayed by politicians. It is a powerful prayer, one that looks to God for guidance on all decisions to be made in the government.
The prayer is dated January 27, 1958.
Great and eternal God, Creator and Lord of all things, foremost Legislator and supreme Ruler, all power emanates from Thee and depends on Thee; and those whose duty is to legislate, determine in Thy name what is just or unjust, as a reflection of Thy Divine wisdom. Therefore we … implore Thy aid for the fulfillment of our office that we intend to accept and exercise for the greater spiritual and material welfare of our people.
Grant us such a sense of duty as will cause us to omit no preparation or effort for the realization of this noble end. Grant us also that objectivity and sound realism which will guide us on every occasion to a clear perception of that which seems the best. Grant that we may never deviate from that sound impartiality which dictates that we labor without unjust preferences for the good of all. Grant also that we may never fail in loyalty to our people, nor in firm adherence to the principles which we openly profess, nor in the noble resolve to preserve ourselves above all possible corruption and base selfish ambitions.
Help us to be calm in our deliberations and to be immune from all passion except such as is inspired by the honest quest after truth. May our resolutions be in conformity with Thy precepts even if the service of Thy will should demand sufferings and sacrifices. May we, even in our own little way, endeavor to imitate that rectitude and holiness according to which Thou in Thy providence dost direct and govern everything for Thy greater glory and for the true well-being of human society and of all Thy creatures.
Hear us, O Lord, in order that our minds may never be without Thy light, nor our wills without Thy strength, nor our hearts without the warmth of Thy love, for we ought to have a tender love for our people. Keep far from us every form of human ambition and every kind of lust for illicit gain. Inspire us with a real, lively and profound sentiment of what constitutes a sound social order wherein full regard is had for law and justice. Finally as a supreme reward grant us some day to enjoy Thy blessed presence for all eternity, in union with all those who have been entrusted to our care. Amen.
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Prayer that government leaders will promote unity, honesty and peace
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Pope Francis’ prayers for peace
And today we celebrate...