In his book "A History of Spain," Arturo Pérez-Reverte discusses the significant influence of religious authority on national identity, particularly through the lens of Pope Pius XII's declaration. When the Pope characterizes a nation as "chosen by God" and an "impregnable bastion" of Catholicism, it highlights the deep-rooted connection between governance and religious endorsement, suggesting that such a nation is likely to maintain its leadership for an extended period.

This assertion implies a certain stability in leadership derived from religious significance, which reinforces the idea that the intertwining of faith and state can lead to long-lasting governance. The phrase underlines how the perception of divine favor can shape a country’s political landscape, particularly in contexts where Catholicism plays a central role in national identity and governance.