Archbishop calls on politicians to avoid ‘scourge of social climbing’

The Archbishop has called on politicians to avoid the "scourge of social climbing" and not use politics to "move ahead of others and achieve recognition and wealth". 
In a strongly-worded homily during mass celebrated to mark Independence Day - which Malta is celebrating on Wednesday - Archbishop Charles Scicluna highlighted three issues he said he believes politicians should keep in mind. 
Those entering politics, he said, should do so with humility and not for personal gain. 

"I wish to honour the great generations of Maltese and Gozitans who, through politics, dedicated selfless service to the common good; that is, offering to serve without expecting anything in return," Scicluna said. 
Malta's independence, he said, needs to be applied with "a great sense of responsibility, good governance and rule of law, correctness, integrity, honesty and, above all, rectitude". 
On criticism aimed at politicians, Scicluna said this should not be done using "harsh words" or "methods that wound the integrity of opponents". 
"We should all be aware that destructive criticism not only destroys the individual but can also poison the very fabric of society. How much better our democratic...