Member of Parliament, Paul Galles, came to politics via the unconventional route of priesthood. We talk about this, his zest for life, philosophies he abides by and the want for happiness for all.

 

In my latest episode, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Paul Galles, a man whose life journey is steered by excitement and a depth of being.

Despite leaving the priesthood aged 37, Paul's core values remain in his role as a politician: commitment to faith, community, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Spiritual awakening

 

As a teenager, we all confront the big questions of life, and that's when Paul's spiritual journey began. Aged 15, he was on a Christian retreat which ignited his connection to God.

Coming from a family of mathematicians and scientists, Paul has always been keenly aware of the intersections between faith and reason. Contrary to the notion that religion and science are incompatible, he believes they complement one another. Faith, he asserts, seeks to understand meaning and purpose, while science unravels the mechanics of the universe. His upbringing reinforced the idea that curiosity and belief are not at odds but rather enrich each other, a philosophy that continues to shape his worldview and political approach.

 

After studying theology, aged 21, he had the opportunity to travel to Brazil to observe the community developed by a Dutch priest who lived there. He was immersed in a vibrant community, "A joyful, lively, young Church that dances and is socially engaged". This experience deepened his faith and ignited a passion for social justice.

From Priesthood to Social Advocacy

After 11 years as a priest, Paul faced the challenges of remaining celibate, something he feels should not be a requirement for priests. Although he stepped away from the clergy, it was not as a rejection of his spiritual path, but an evolution of it. Transitioning to social work, he joined Young Caritas Luxembourg as a project coordinator, focusing on youth volunteerism in the social sector. His work emphasized the importance of solidarity and community engagement, reflecting his enduring commitment to societal well-being.

In 2016, Paul was awarded the prestigious European Citizen Prize for his outstanding contributions to society. This honor, bestowed by the European Parliament, recognizes individuals and organizations that promote European values, solidarity, and cross-border cooperation. For Paul, this was an affirmation of his lifelong mission to serve others, both within and beyond Luxembourg and he dedicated it to the team. 

Stepping into the Political Arena

Paul's foray into politics was a natural progression of his advocacy work. Joining the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) in 2016, he quickly became a prominent figure, serving as Deputy Secretary-General and later as Vice-President. His electoral success continued through 2017, 2018, and from 2023, where he serves as an Alderman responsible for children and youth in Luxembourg City.

Philosophies Rooted in Compassion

Central to Paul's ethos is a profound belief in the dignity of every individual and the pursuit of happiness. Inspired by Robert Baden-Powell’s words, he emphasizes that true happiness stems not from wealth or career success but from living a life of purpose and love. Paul’s commitment extends to environmental justice, social solidarity, and the fight against poverty, with a particular focus on empowering children and youth.

A Vision for a Happier Society

In my preparation with Paul, he posed some introspective questions that challenge us to reflect on our lives:

What are you thankful for?

What impresses your heart so deeply?

Which wounds of the world do you want to be healed?

How do you see the world if you want it to be perfect?

These questions, he believes, should be integral to our education system, fostering a generation that values emotional intelligence, creativity, and genuine human connection.

Embracing Life's Rhythms

Beyond his professional endeavors, Paul finds energy in various passions: a strong network of family and friends, faith, sports, 5Rhythms dance, open-mindedness towards diverse beliefs, astronomy, and philosophy. These interests not only rejuvenate him but also provide a holistic perspective on life, enriching his approach to public service.

Paul's story is one of evolution, guided by faith, introspection, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. His journey from priesthood to politics serves as an inspiring reminder that our paths may change, but the core values of compassion, justice, and love remain steadfast.

For a deeper insight into Paul's philosophies and his vision for a happier society, tune in to our full conversation on RTL Today.

We do also talk about the Council of Europe but this conversation will be a larger one when I interview Ambassador Ragnhildur Arnljósdóttir in a few weeks time.

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