Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has publicly expressed his unwavering support for Donald Trump, urging American Catholics to vote for him in the upcoming election on November 5. In an open letter addressed to the faithful, Viganò positions Trump as the “only possible choice” for president, advocating for his candidacy as a means to counteract the “deep state” and protect future generations from what he describes as a looming “globalist coup.” He asserts that a vote for Kamala Harris would be “morally inadmissible,” declaring that abstaining from voting is equivalent to siding with the enemy. Viganò’s letter acts as a rallying call for Catholics to engage actively in the electoral process and to recognize the moral implications of their choice.
While emphasizing his support for Trump, Viganò does acknowledge certain contentious positions held by the former president, particularly regarding abortion and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). He argued that Trump’s stance on these issues, which include opposing a federal ban on abortion and advocating for insurance coverage for IVF, diverges from Catholic teaching. Despite these concerns, Viganò insists that supporting Trump is essential to distance oneself from what he considers an “anti-Catholic, anti-Christian, and anti-human vision of society.” This complex stance reflects Viganò’s belief that choosing Trump is crucial to fostering alignment with pro-life values and defending the traditional family structure.
The archbishop paints a dire picture of a potential Harris presidency, depicting her as an “infernal monster” who panders to Satan. He warns that her administration would usher in severe moral, social, and economic degradation, labeling it a “ferocious dictatorship” that would threaten the faith and morals upheld by the Catholic Church. This characterization underscores Viganò’s conviction that the stakes of the election go beyond political differences; they are a life-and-death struggle for the soul of the nation and its cultural identity. He suggests that a Trump presidency could catalyze more profound commitments toward safeguarding life and religion.
During the recent Al Smith Memorial dinner, a traditional Catholic fundraising event, Trump criticized Kamala Harris for her absence, deeming it disrespectful to the Catholic community. This gathering typically serves as a platform for bipartisan goodwill, making Harris’s absence significant in the eyes of supporters. Trump used the occasion to encourage Catholics to exercise their voting rights in his favor and reinforced his affection for the Catholic Church. This moment illustrates the ongoing tension within U.S. politics, particularly regarding Catholic representation and the moral responsibilities of voters.
In his letter, Viganò emphasizes a potent spiritual component in this election process and calls for a collective return to Christian values. He narrates that true peace and prosperity for the nation can only be achieved by adhering to divine law and living in grace, urging Catholics to allow Christ to reign in their hearts and communities. Viganò’s emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of the vote aligns with broader Catholic teachings, suggesting that faith should be a driving force in civic engagement and decision-making.
American Cardinal Raymond Burke has also weighed in, providing tactical advice for Catholics preparing to cast their votes. He advocates for prayer and fasting as precursors to making an informed decision and encourages voters to carefully examine candidates’ agendas. Recognizing the challenging moral landscape presented by both major political parties, Burke proposes that Catholics focus on where they can identify the “smallest ray of hope” for the common good. This guidance aims to navigate the complexities of modern electoral politics while remaining anchored in faith, urging Catholics to engage thoughtfully in the electoral process even amid significant moral ambiguities.
