"In a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation" and "a democracy without values can lose its very soul". This was repeated today by the Pope, who, in his speech at the White House, mentioned John Paul II’s "prophetic words" contained in the "Centesimus annus", who, according to Benedict XVI, "echo President Washington’s belief, that religion and morality are ‘essential supports’ for political prosperity". "Democracy can thrive only, as your founding Fathers knew very well warned the Holy Father , when the political leaders and those they represent are guided by the truth and bring the wisdom generated by the moral principles into the decisions that affect the life and the future of the Nation". The Church, on its part, ensured Benedict XVI, "wishes to make its contribution to the building of a world that may be more and more worthy of the human being, created in resemblance of God", convinced that "faith casts a new light on everything" and that "the Gospel reveals the noble calling and the sublime destiny of every man and every woman". Faith, explained the Pope, "offers us the strength to respond to our lofty calling and the hope that inspires us to work for a more and more fair and fraternal society".
