In a political context marked by secularization and silence regarding the religious, the President of the United States has surprised with an official message on the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. The text published by the White House is not limited to a formal congratulation. It turns to the Holy Scripture, recalls the victory of Saint Michael and his legion of angels over Satan, and emphasizes that for two millennia Christians have turned to him for protection, strength, and courage in times of difficulty.
Particular relevance has the reference to the prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, born from the awareness of a real danger to Christian civilization. The full inclusion of this prayer in a presidential message, with its explicit invocation to God to cast Satan and the evil spirits into hell, is an uncommon sign in international politics, accustomed to neutralizing or softening any reference to evil and spiritual struggle.
Beyond political debates, it is appropriate to recognize that a civil leader highlights, in such a clear way, the relevance of faith in a time marked by secularization and moral confusion. While in many ecclesial environments it is preferred to speak of “processes of inclusion” or “cultural diversity”, Trump has publicly recalled the figure of the prince of the heavenly militia, protector of the People of God in their battle against the demon.
Presidential Message on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel:
Today I greet the millions of Christian believers in the United States and around the world who celebrate the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel.
According to the Holy Scripture, when the Devil rebelled against God in Heaven, Saint Michael and his legion of angels cast Satan to Earth, triumphantly reaffirming God’s sovereignty over all creation. For 2,000 years, Christians have turned to Saint Michael the Archangel for protection, strength, and courage in times of conflict, distress, and doubt.
In 1886, almost 140 years ago, Pope Leo XIII, leader of the Catholic Church, fearing for the future of the Western world, introduced the legendary prayer to Saint Michael, which is still prayed in churches and homes throughout our Nation and around the world:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.