Catholics to the rescue of Le Pen

Last Sunday one in five Catholics voted for the leader of the Front National Marine Le Pen at the European elections. With a total of 21% of votes in favour of far right party Catholics are slightly below the national average that gave the Front one quarter of the vote (25%). Moreover, figures raised steadily over the past years. In 2009 the party, which was then guided by Jean-Marie Le Pen, gained less than 4% of the votes of practising Catholics and 7% of national votes. Maria Chiara Biagioni, for Sir Europe, interviewed Jérôme Vignon, President of the Social Weeks of France (SSF). Why do French people appreciate Marine Le Pen? “There is more than one reason. The first must be certainly sought in that widespread unease of the majority and of the opposition. The second reason is the social situation. The large majority of those who voted for Marine Le Pen are workers and employees. Long-term unemployment is under constant growth. 30% of young people under 35 voted for Le Pen, practically less than his voters. Le Pen thus voiced the hopes of young people and labourers. But there’s a third reason. The leader of Front National made an excellent electoral campaign. It wasn’t a demagogic or populist campaign, it aimed and found its way through the heart of national pride deeply rooted in France. Many people believe that European adhesion prevents independent action. It forces to a destroying globalisation. A Europe that is endured and not chosen”. And Catholics chose it. One in five Catholics voted for it. Why? “There’s more to that. A Catholic in five when considering practicing Catholics, however if we take into account the entire landscape of voters who identify themselves as Catholics, thus including irregular or non-practicing faithful, the index rises to 27%, more than the national average”. Then why do Catholics like Le Pen? “It should be said that Catholics voted for Le Pen despite the recommendations of the episcopate. French bishops represent an episcopate that is deeply committed in support of Europe. Evidently there are Catholics that don’t listen to bishops nor to their recommendations. Why? I think that themes such as the reaffirmation of identity, the defense of the Christian identity of Europe, the fear of a Europe that is too open to immigration, with an imposing Islam that has profoundly changed the face of the city made on impression on them. It is the image of a Catholic identity that rejects the Catholic Church’s appeals to make room for the stranger and give him hospitality unconditionally”. Are you saying there is a gap separating Catholic citizens and Church institutions? “80% of regularly practising Catholics went to the polls. From this perspective they sided with the episcopate that asked not to desert the polls. But the bishops asked to vote for Europe, not for the Front National. But we mustn’t exaggerate in interpreting the figures since 20% of practising Catholics voted for le Pen. There remains the fact that among French Catholics there are those who believe that Europe risks endangering Christian identity in Europe”. So how should the vote of French Catholics be interpreted? “There is a silent division. We all go to Mass, we all listen to the Word of God, we take the Communion, we are united in faith. But we are deeply divided as regards our vision of society and of the rest of the world. Some episodes make us reflect, such as the ‘Affaire Brugère’: the left-wing militant philosopher Fabienne Brugère who was revoked an invitation to give a presentation at a formation course for leaders in the field of family ministry owing to the opposition of a minority that had submitted a petition against her. There are divisions in the same way of living the faith, between those who are strongly centered on Catholic identity and those who on the contrary – as requested by Pope Francis – are open to the suburbs and to listen to the world”.. Are there divisions also on the stances of Pope Francis? “Indeed. They are divided also on the pontificate of Pope Francis. A minority of French Catholics certainly do not understand and do not follow the guidelines contained in the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium”. How do you see the future of the Church? “I think that today more than ever it is important to listen to one another. I think we should not make believe that nothing is happening in the Catholic world, minimizing disquietude nor putting one against the other. Conversely, there should be a disposition to listen, to acknowledge diverse aspirations and visions, especially in the ways of living Catholic faith, and seek to understand those who don’t identity in post-Council perspectives marked by openness and welcome. Dialogue is another urgent challenge. Mutual understanding should be sought and promoted; taking the time for dialogue without imposing one’s position. Indeed, how can we expect to speak to the rest of the world and transmit a shared message if these diversities are not included in the dialogue process for a joint, fraternal journey?”