The Vatican's outgoing ambassador to the United States is urging American seminarians studying abroad to courageously defend religious freedom back home ''in the face of evil.''

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who has attracted controversy for reportedly setting up Pope Francis' meeting with Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis and for publicly demonstrating against same-sex marriage, told some 400-plus seminarians that "great courage'' is needed now more than ever to stand up for the truth as the church in America is facing a very challenging situation.

"Each one of us has a responsibility before God to bring a message of truth into this world, even if it means spending our lives for that very purpose—sometimes silently, but very often today publicly," Vigano told the guests at the April 7 Rector's Dinner at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, LifeSite News reports.

Citing Pope Francis' U.S visit last fall, the archbishop said it meant a lot for him that the Holy Father began his history address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress by describing America as "the land of the free and the home of the brave.''

"Perhaps more than ever, this phrase should be something we continue to live for and pray for,'' said Vigano.

"That the United States of America will protect our freedom, especially our religious liberty, as well as respect the human right to conscientious objection, and that we will be courageous in always defending the freedom to put our Catholic faith into practice without fear,'' he said.

The prelate also called for courage and strength in the midst of persecution.

He likewise encouraged the seminarians to spread the College's mission to the future Church leadership in America and for them "to be valiant witnesses to the message of Jesus.''

Archbishop Vigano, who has represented the Vatican in Washington since 2011 as the pope's apostolic nuncio, spoke on Thursday last week just days before Pope Francis named Archbishop Christophe Pierre as his successor.

He was given the 2016 Rector's Award at the annual gathering supporting the Pontifical North American College, along with California attorney Timothy Busch and his wife Steph, members of the Papal Foundation and benefactors of the Napa Institute, which works to develop Catholic leaders in the U.S, according to LifeSite News.

Meanwhile, the French-born Pierre, currently nuncio to Mexico, is a "Bergoglian" and someone in whom Pope Francis confides, according to Vatican expert Sandro Magister.

The Vatican's new envoy to the U.S. is expected "to ensure the legacy of any pope because he is a key player in vetting the appointment of bishops by the pontiff,'' Religion News reports.

Pierre's appointment was reportedly announced by the Holy See on Tuesday, April 12. He is regarded as a "seasoned" diplomat with experience in the developing world. He previously served in Uganda and Haiti. He speaks fluent English and seeks consensus — a trait that will be valuable given the strains that often tear at the U.S. hierarchy.