Cardinal Robert Sarah criticizes Western societies for losing spiritual values and calls for a return to faith in a recent speech that gained global attention.
Cardinal Robert Sarah Urges West to Return to Spiritual Roots
May 8, 2025 – Rome – Cardinal Robert Sarah, the Guinean prelate and former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, issued a strong warning to Western societies in a recent address, calling for a moral and spiritual revival. Known for his traditional views and deep theological insight, Cardinal Sarah criticized what he described as the “moral collapse” of the West, urging a return to foundational Christian values.
Speaking at a theological conference in Rome, Cardinal Sarah described the current state of Western civilization as “deeply wounded by relativism, materialism, and spiritual emptiness.” He noted that while the West has made incredible scientific and technological advances, it is simultaneously “forgetting the soul of its civilization.”
“The crisis of the West is not economic or political, but spiritual,” he said. “A society that forgets God ultimately forgets humanity.”
A Voice for Tradition in a Changing World
Cardinal Sarah has long been a prominent voice in the Catholic Church advocating for traditional liturgy, moral clarity, and a return to orthodoxy. He has written several best-selling books, including God or Nothing and The Power of Silence, which have gained him a significant following among both clergy and laypeople.
His latest comments come amid increasing debates within the Church over how to respond to contemporary moral and social challenges. Some factions within the Church advocate for a more progressive approach, but Sarah remains firm in his belief that compromise on moral truth is not the solution.
“True compassion is not to affirm people in their sin, but to call them to truth,” he said during his address. “The Church must not conform to the world, but must be the light of the world.”
Warning Against Secularism
Cardinal Sarah was particularly critical of the growing secularism in European nations, which he claims has led to an erosion of the family, education, and respect for life.
“Once the sanctity of life is no longer protected, once the family is redefined or discarded, once God is removed from public life, the foundations of a society crumble,” he warned.
He cited increasing rates of depression, suicide, and loneliness in affluent nations as signs of a deeper moral and spiritual crisis. “People are materially rich but spiritually impoverished,” he added.
A Call to the Faithful
Cardinal Sarah concluded his speech with a call to Catholics around the world to resist the cultural drift away from faith. He emphasized the importance of prayer, the sacraments, and fidelity to Church teaching as essential tools for renewal.
“We are not called to be successful in the eyes of the world, but faithful in the eyes of God,” he said.
His message has resonated with many Catholics concerned about the direction of both the Church and society. Social media saw a flurry of support following his remarks, with many praising his courage and clarity.
Influence Beyond the Church
Though officially retired from his Vatican post since 2021, Cardinal Sarah continues to wield considerable influence in theological and cultural discussions. His insights are often cited in debates about the future of Catholicism and the role of religion in modern society.
As the Church navigates a rapidly changing world, voices like Cardinal Sarah’s serve as a reminder of the enduring relevance of faith, tradition, and moral clarity.
