CCC 57 This state of division into many nations is at once cosmic, social and religious. It is intended to limit the pride of fallen humanity1 united only in its perverse ambition to forge its own unity as at Babel.2 But, because of sin, both polytheism and the idolatry of the nation and of its rulers constantly threaten this provisional economy with the perversion of paganism.3
1 Cf. Acts 17:26-27.
2 Cf. Wis 10:5; Gen 11:4-6.
3 Cf. Rom 1:18-25.