Pope calls Joan of Arc model for public officials
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday that public
officials would do well to model themselves on Joan of Arc, the
French saint who was tried for heresy and burned at the stake for
her convictions.
Benedict highlighted the life of the 15th century mystic in his
weekly general audience. For several months he has used his
Wednesday catechisms to promote an important woman in the church's
history.
Joan of Arc led the French to several victories over the English
during the Hundred Years War. She had said she heard voices from a
trio of saints telling her to deliver France from the English.
She was tried for heresy and witchcraft and burned at the stake
in 1431, though her conviction was later annulled. She was
canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
"Hers is a beautiful example of holiness for lay people working
in public life, particularly during the most difficult situations,"
Benedict XVI said.
Benedict expressed bitterness at how Joan of Arc had been
treated by the church, saying her heresy trial was a "upsetting
page" in church history and was due to French churchmen "who had
made different political choices" than she.
But he noted that the illiterate farm girl nevertheless went to
her death professing a love for the church and Christ.
"May the prayers and example of Joan of Arc inspire many lay men
and women to devote themselves to public life in the service of
God's Kingdom, and encourage all of us to live to the fullest our
lofty calling in Christ," Benedict said.
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