Michelangelo, after completing his famous statue of Moses in San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome, was so impressed by the lifelike beauty of the sculpture that he struck its knee with his hammer and exclaimed, “Perché non parli?” (Why don’t you speak?). Today, this question is often heard in families, among ordinary people, and especially in politics: Why isn’t the Prime Minister speaking? Why isn’t the Chief Minister speaking? Behind these questions lies a simple expectation: someone who is alive should speak. A statue remains silent because it has no life. Human beings, especially those entrusted with responsibility, are expected to raise their voices when truth, justice, and human dignity are at stake.
The Silence of Indifference
The Swiss philosopher and writer Max Picard, in The World of Silence, beautifully describes, “Silence is not something negative, not merely the absence of speech, but something positive, a complete world in itself. Silence possesses greatness simply because it exists. It exists, and therefore it is great; its greatness lies in its very existence.” Silence indeed has a positive meaning. It allows reflection, listening, contemplation, and communion. However, silence cannot become an excuse for avoiding responsibility. There is a silence that comes from wisdom, and there is a silence that comes from fear, selfishness, or indifference. The moral value of silence depends on the situation and the purpose behind it.
In his encyclical Fratelli Tutti (2020), Pope Francis strongly criticises the attitude of indifference towards human suffering. Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, he writes: “Someone is assaulted on our streets, and many hurry off as if they did not notice. People hit someone with their car and then flee the scene. Their only desire is to avoid problems; it does not matter that, through their fault, another person could die…. A society that seeks prosperity but turns its back on suffering.” (no. 65)
The problem is not only the physical act of ignoring someone who suffers. The deeper problem is the attitude of closing one’s eyes and refusing to take responsibility. When individuals or leaders remain silent before injustice, their silence can allow suffering to continue. This reality is especially visible in public and political life. Political leaders receive authority from the people and therefore have a moral responsibility towards them. When citizens raise concerns about corruption, violence, discrimination, poverty, or social injustice, leaders cannot simply remain silent or transfer the responsibility to subordinate officials. Leadership requires presence, explanation, and accountability.
Speaking as a Moral Responsibility
Catholic social teaching presents authority not as a privilege but as a service. The Second Vatican Council teaches that political authority exists for the common good (GS, no.74). Therefore, leaders have a duty not only to govern but also to communicate. Speaking truthfully to the people is part of responsible leadership. The Holy Bible presents speaking the truth as a responsibility entrusted to leaders. The prophet Ezekiel uses the image of a watchman: “If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people… I will hold the watchman accountable” (Ezek 33:6). A leader who sees danger but remains silent fails in his responsibility. Similarly, the Book of Proverbs says: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed” (Pro 31:8-9). Isaiah strongly criticises leaders who fail to guide the people, saying, ‘Israel’s watchmen are blind; they all lack knowledge; they are all silent dogs that cannot bark’ (Is 56:10). These passages reveal that silence is not always neutrality. Sometimes silence becomes a failure of duty.
In democratic societies, freedom of speech is recognised as a fundamental human right. However, the value of speech is not limited to personal expression. For leaders, speech carries a moral responsibility. People elect leaders not only to make decisions but also to communicate honestly with them. When leaders speak with truth, humility, and compassion: people receive guidance and confidence; misunderstandings are reduced; social trust is strengthened; and unity is promoted. On the other hand, when leaders remain silent: problems may become worse; misinformation spreads; people become divided; and suspicion and hostility increase. Silence can create a vacuum that false information quickly fills. This challenge has become even more serious in the age of artificial intelligence and digital communication. False information can spread within seconds and influence public opinion. Therefore, responsible leaders have an even greater duty to communicate clearly, truthfully, and promptly. Silence from trustworthy voices can unintentionally give space to confusion and manipulation.
Speaking with Truth and Love
The value of speaking is not only in the quantity of words but in their quality. Words must be guided by truth, compassion, and responsibility. A leader’s speech should not create hatred or division but should build society. A powerful example is found in the famous speech of Swami Vivekananda at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. His words, beginning with “Sisters and Brothers of America,” touched people because they expressed respect, fraternity, and universal human dignity. His speech did not merely communicate ideas; it created connection. True leadership speaks not to dominate people but to serve them. The voice of a leader should become a voice of hope, especially for those who are suffering or unheard. A good leader is not one who speaks constantly, but one who knows when to speak, what to speak, and how to speak – always with truth, courage, and love for the people entrusted to his care.
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Fr. M. Titus Mohan, a priest of the Diocese of Kuzhithurai, is a doctoral student in Moral Theology at the Theological Faculty of Milan. An author of over 55 books, he is actively engaged in youth ministry and in promoting awareness of blood and organ donation.