CBCP president-elect: Pray for gov't leaders every day

MANILA, Philippines - Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas urged Filipino Catholics to cultivate the habit of praying for government officials daily.

Villegas, incoming president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said in a radio interview that praying for state officials should be part of the regular prayers of the faithful.

"Even though there are no controversies, we should pray for our government officials because of the heavy responsibility they bear for the country," he said.

Villegas said praying is a means to contribute to solving the country's problems.

"Let’s not wait for controversies anymore, but rather let us make it part of our daily habit to pray for our public servants," he said.

Leaders can also use the spiritual help and guidance to serve the people better, the bishop said.