In a recent communication addressing American Catholics ahead of the Presidential Election, Carlo Maria Viganò, the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, emphasizes the profound moral obligation of voting. He posits that this election is not merely a choice between two candidates but rather a pivotal decision between two fundamentally opposed ideologies: democracy versus dictatorship, freedom versus tyranny. Viganò urges Catholics to look beyond conventional political divisions and recognize the existential stakes involved in this election, viewing it as a critical juncture for the future of both the nation and the Catholic faith.
Viganò contrasts the two candidates in stark terms. On one side is Donald Trump, whom he acknowledges has certain problematic positions, particularly regarding abortion and assisted reproduction; however, he argues that Trump’s goal is the common good and the protection of citizens’ fundamental freedoms. Viganò asserts that under Trump, Catholics can practice their faith openly without government interference. In opposition, he describes Kamala Harris and her party as promoting values that directly clash with Catholic teachings, proposing a society where religious beliefs are marginalized and children are viewed as wards of the state, subject to indoctrination away from parental guidance and traditional morals.
The Archbishop paints a dire picture of an America under the Biden-Harris administration, characterizing it as marked by chaos, moral decay, and governmental incompetence. He criticizes urban decay, educational indoctrination, and a legal system that seems to favor criminals over victims, alluding to a broader agenda that he claims seeks to control various sectors of society, including farming and healthcare. Viganò alleges that this control is enabled by corporate interests and globalist agendas that disregard the sovereignty of individual and national rights, thus eroding the very foundations of American society as envisioned in its founding documents.
Moreover, Viganò brings attention to the threats posed by what he labels as a “deep state,” suggesting there is a hidden power structure orchestrating political outcomes and undermining democracy. He warns that the consequences of a Harris presidency would extend far beyond policy differences, entrenching a regime that operates outside the will of the people and rejects the values upheld by the Catholic Church. The Archbishop portrays this scenario as not just a political battle but a spiritual one that pits good against evil, where failure to act could lead to a societal collapse akin to that witnessed in totalitarian regimes of the past.
Viganò’s message is underlined by an appeal to faith, urging American Catholics to trust in divine guidance in this critical moment. He advocates for a collective return to Christ, encouraging them to act not only through political means but also by embodying Christian values in their personal lives and communities. His call to action is framed as crucial to restoring a society rooted in moral truth, suggesting that each Catholic vote is a stand against a growing tide of nihilism and secularism that threatens spiritual and societal harmony.
Ultimately, Viganò sees the choice at hand as one between two irreconcilable worldviews, urging Catholics to reject any notion of neutrality in this ideological struggle. He warns against abstaining from voting, framing it as a de facto alignment with an anti-Christian agenda. The Archbishop’s closing remarks are a heartfelt plea for unity, resilience, and prayer, imploring American Catholics to act decisively in favor of a candidate who, despite their imperfections, stands against the radical left’s agenda and for the Christian values that underpin the nation’s moral fabric.