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Politicians should stop scapegoating migrants and instead focus on the service of peace, Pope Francis said in his annual message for the World Day of Peace.
"Terror exerted over those who are most vulnerable contributes to the exile of entire populations who seek a place of peace," he said. "Political addresses that tend to blame every evil on migrants and to deprive the poor of hope are unacceptable."
The pope's message was released on Dec. 18 at a Vatican news conference led by Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
The world urgently needs peacemakers and politicians who protect and lovingly serve others in today's climate of mistrust, rejection and nationalism, the pope said.
Political life should be "an outstanding form of charity" when it is exercised with a "basic respect for the life, freedom and dignity of persons," he added.
His message, sent to heads of state around the world, stressed that holding political office and having political responsibility "constantly challenge those called to the service of their country to make every effort to protect those who live there and to create the conditions for a worthy and just future."
"One thing is certain: good politics is at the service of peace," Pope Francis wrote. "It respects and promotes fundamental human rights, which are at the same time mutual obligations, enabling a bond of trust and gratitude to be forged between present and future generations."
He warned that when political life is not seen as a form of service to society as a whole, it can become a means of oppression, marginalization and even destruction.
"The thirst for power at any price leads to abuses and injustice," the pope said.
He warned that political vices detract from the credibility of political life. "These vices, which undermine the ideal of an authentic democracy, bring disgrace to public life and threaten social harmony."
Vices include xenophobia, racism, lack of concern for the environment, contempt for those forced into exile and corruption, he said.
War and "the strategy of fear" are also contrary to politics at the service of peace, the pope added.
He called on politicians and all citizens to "reaffirm that peace is based on respect for each person, whatever his or her background, on respect for the law and the common good, on respect for the environment entrusted to our care and for the richness of the moral tradition inherited from past generations."
The pope praised all those who work to protect and defend the rights and dignity of children in conflict areas, noting that one in every six children is affected by war.
"Today more than ever, our societies need artisans of peace who can be messengers and authentic witnesses of God the father, who wills the good and the happiness of the human family," Pope Francis said,
Good politics, he added, "respects and promotes fundamental human rights, which are at the same time mutual obligations, enabling a bond of trust and gratitude to be forged between present and future generations."
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