Can Government officials be Saints?

by Clyde Ericson Nolasco

While most Catholics saints come from religious life (monks, nuns, and other consecrated persons) or from the clergy (popes, bishops, priests and deacons), there are also many from the laity like St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Georgio Frassati, two of the most recent additions to the Church’s roster of holy men and women.

The Church continually reminds us that everyone is called to holiness. Yet, with political unrest around the world fueled by corruption and dishonest leaders, we may wonder: are there saints who once served as government officials?

Yes, indeed there were. Here are a few of them:

1. St. Thomas More (1478–1535) - Thomas More was a brilliant lawyer, writer, and Lord Chancellor of England, the highest-ranking official under King Henry VIII. A devoted husband and public servant, he was known for his prayerful and upright life. When King Henry sought to break away from the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church, he demanded recognition as “Supreme Head of the Church of England.” More refused to take the oath, was imprisoned, and eventually executed by beheading. Today, St. Thomas More is honored as the patron saint of statespersons, politicians, lawyers, and civil servants, with his feast day celebrated on June 22.

   
   

   

2. St. Thomas Becket (1119–1170) - Thomas Becket served as Chancellor of England, a close friend and adviser to King Henry II. With his intelligence and administrative skills, he was later appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest Church position in England. He defended the rights and autonomy of the Church against King Henry II’s attempts to control it. This led to a bitter conflict between two leaders who had once been good friends. On December 29, 1170, four of the king’s knights murdered Becket inside Canterbury Cathedral, making him a martyr for the faith. St. Thomas Becket is honored as the patron saint of clergy, politicians, and those facing political conflicts, with his feast day celebrated on December 29, within the Octave of Christmas.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Bl. Giorgio La Pira (1904–1977) - A lawyer and professor by profession, Giorgio La Pira served as the beloved Mayor of Florence. He promoted peace, upheld the rights of workers, and championed housing for the poor, earning him the nickname “Holy Mayor.” He brought faith and prayer into public service, believing that politics should be “the highest form of charity.” La Pira died in 1977 and was declared Blessed by Pope Francis in 2018. Florence celebrates his feast day every November 5.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Bl. Alberto Marvelli (1918–1946) - Alberto Marvelli was an Italian engineer and social activist who risked his life helping refugees during World War II. After the war, he worked to rebuild his hometown of Rimini, where he later became a city councilor. While organizing housing for the displaced, he lived a life of prayer and personal mission, especially through Catholic Action. He died in a bicycle accident at only 28 years old while on his way to attend a council meeting in 1946. Pope John Paul II beatified him in 2004. Blessed Alberto is honored as a patron of Catholic lay leaders, social workers, and young politicians, with his feast day celebrated every October 5.

   
   

   

5. Venerable Robert Schuman (1886–1963) - Robert Schuman was one of the founding fathers of the European Union (EU). A devout Catholic statesman and lawyer, Schuman served as a Member of Parliament, Foreign Minister, and Prime Minister of France after World War II. He worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation among war-torn European nations. In 1950, his “Schuman Declaration”—which later became the basis of the European Union—paved the way for lasting unity between former enemies France and Germany. Pope Francis declared Schuman Venerable in 2021 in recognition of his integrity, humility, and daily life of prayer.

These are just five of the many men and women in government who lived holy lives and used their public office as a path to heaven. Today, while it is easy to judge politicians because of their public image, we must not lose faith and hope in all of them.

Let us continue to pray for one another, especially for our government officials, that they may serve their country according to God’s will. And do not forget: “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.”