Reject ‘false shepherds,’ Tagle urges voters

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has called on Filipino voters to reject “false shepherds” in next year’s elections.

“A false shepherd is a thief while a true shepherd will not steal just to be rich or take advantage of other people,” said Tagle in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.

Tagle cited John’s Gospel where Jesus draws a sharp contrast between Himself as the true Shepherd and the Pharisees as false shepherds, whom He calls thieves and robbers.

The cardinal’s message was aired over the Church-run Radio Veritas last week before he left for the World Meeting of Families in the United States which Pope Francis is also attending.

Tagle also reiterated the CBCP’s call for voters to look at the candidates’ track records and characters when casting their ballots.

“Look at their track record. Is it a track record of compassion or a track record of encroachment?” he wrote.

According to him, true leaders serve their followers instead of the other way around, possess greater integrity and deeper compassion for others.

“Let’s not use our votes for shallow reasons,” Tagle said. “Vote wisely! One good vote will make a difference.”

Tagle will be delivering a talk at the event in Philadelphia on Sept. 27 where the Pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass.