39 The Church, it is certain, at no time andin no particular is deserted by God; hence, there is no reason why she should bealarmed at the wickedness of men; but in the case of nations falling away fromChristian virtue there is not a like ground of assurance, "for sin makethnations miserable."(39) If every bygone age has experienced the force ofthis truth, wherefore should not our own? There are, in truth, very many signswhich proclaim that just punishments are already menacing, and the condition ofmodern States tends to confirm this belief, since we perceive many of them insad plight from intestine disorders, and not one entirely exempt. But, shouldthose leagued together in wickedness hurry onward in the road they have boldlychosen, should they increase in influence and power in proportion as they makeheadway in their evil purposes and crafty schemes, there will be ground to fearlest the very foundations nature has laid for States to rest upon be utterlydestroyed. Nor can such misgivings be removed by any mere human effort,especially as a vast number of men, having rejected the Christian faith, are onthat account justly incurring the penalty of their pride, since blinded by theirpassions they search in vain for truth, laying hold on the false for the true,and thinking themselves wise when they call "evil good, and goodevil," and "put darkness in the place of light, and light in the placeof darkness."(40) It is therefore necessary that God come to the rescue,and that, mindful of His mercy, He turn an eye of compassion on human society.
Source: Sapientiae Christianae (Vatican.va)