Always took it to be synonymous with "enlightenment values", created in Europe and by Christians. (Who I believe were at least somewhat secular). I am unsure if we are, at present, a bastion of said values.

Christianity does not necessary implies fascism. And "our values" or "western values" here in this context do.

Pope is not like Vance, despite Vance pointificating about by values and pope beong christan.

Spot on.