Pope Pius XI (b. 1857)

Pope Pius XI, born Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti (Italian: [amˈbrɔ:dʒo daˈmja:no aˈkille ˈratti]), served as the revered head of the Catholic Church from February 6, 1922, until his passing on February 10, 1939. Born on May 31, 1857, in Desio, Italy, his pontificate spanned a crucial period marked by immense political and social upheaval. Notably, he held the distinction of being the very first sovereign of Vatican City, an independent state established on February 11, 1929, through the historic Lateran Treaty. His chosen papal motto, "Pax Christi in Regno Christi," meaning "The Peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ," encapsulated his profound vision for a world imbued with Christian principles amidst the escalating conflicts of the 20th century. Before his election to the papacy, Achille Ratti was a distinguished scholar, holding positions as a librarian at the Ambrosian Library in Milan and later as Prefect of the Vatican Library, followed by a significant diplomatic career, serving as Apostolic Nuncio to Poland and then as Archbishop of Milan.

A Legacy of Encyclicals: Shaping Catholic Social Thought and Defending Faith

Pius XI's pontificate was characterized by a prolific output of encyclicals, influential papal letters that addressed pressing theological, social, and political issues of his time. These documents not only guided the Catholic faithful but also offered profound insights into the Church's stance on modern challenges:

• Quadragesimo Anno (1931): Issued on the 40th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's foundational social encyclical, Rerum Novarum, this document significantly expanded Catholic social teaching. While Rerum Novarum (1891) had first articulated the Church's response to the Industrial Revolution and the plight of the working class, Quadragesimo Anno addressed new economic realities, particularly the widespread economic crisis of the Great Depression. It critically examined the "capitalistic greed of international finance" and exposed the inherent dangers of both socialism and communism, advocating for social justice, fair wages, and the principle of subsidiarity—that decisions should be made at the most local level possible.
• Quas Primas (1925): This encyclical established the universal Feast of Christ the King, a powerful spiritual response to the rising tide of anti-clericalism and secular nationalism prevalent after World War I. By emphasizing Christ's universal sovereignty, Pius XI sought to remind both individuals and nations of their ultimate allegiance to divine authority, countering ideologies that sought to remove religion from public life.
• Studiorum Ducem (1923): Promulgated on June 29, 1923, this encyclical celebrated the 6th centenary of the canonization of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Pius XI underscored Aquinas's unparalleled intellectual legacy, affirming his thought as central and indispensable to Catholic philosophy and theology. The encyclical notably highlighted the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum in Rome, as the preeminent institution for the study and dissemination of Thomistic principles, stating: "ante omnia Pontificium Collegium Angelicum, ubi Thomam tamquam domi suae habitare dixeris" (before all others the Pontifical Angelicum College, where Thomas can be said to dwell).
• Mit brennender Sorge (1937): Meaning "With Burning Concern," this encyclical stands as one of the most forceful and direct condemnations of the Nazi regime's ideology and actions. Issued in German rather than the customary Latin, it was smuggled into Germany and read from Catholic pulpits on Palm Sunday. It denounced the Nazi government's systematic violations of the Reichskonkordat (a concordat signed between the Holy See and Nazi Germany four years prior), its neo-pagan tendencies, and its persecution of the Church, unequivocally criticizing the regime's racial and totalitarian doctrines.

Diplomacy, Concordats, and Challenges to the Church

Drawing on his extensive diplomatic background, Pius XI embarked on a vigorous campaign to establish and maintain the position of the Catholic Church through a record number of concordats – formal agreements between the Holy See and sovereign states. These treaties aimed to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the Church within national borders during a period of escalating political instability.

• The Lateran Treaty (1929): A crowning achievement of his diplomatic efforts, this landmark treaty successfully resolved the "Roman Question," a longstanding political dispute with the Italian government that had persisted since the unification of Italy in 1870. The treaty formally recognized Vatican City as an independent, sovereign state and established Catholicism as the state religion of Italy, bringing an end to decades of hostility and fostering a new era of relations between the Holy See and Italy.
• The Reichskonkordat (1933): Despite his efforts, not all concordats achieved their desired outcomes. The Reichskonkordat, signed with Nazi Germany, was intended to protect the rights of the Catholic Church under the new regime. However, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party almost immediately began violating its terms, leading to increasing persecution of Catholics and eventually the Pope's strong condemnation in Mit brennender Sorge.
• Persecutions Abroad: Despite his diplomatic initiatives, Pius XI was deeply troubled and largely unable to halt the severe persecutions faced by the Church and its clergy in various parts of the world. These included the widespread anti-clerical violence and killings during the Cristero War in Mexico, the brutal persecution of religious figures and institutions during the Spanish Civil War, and the systematic suppression of all religious practice under the state-atheist regime of the Soviet Union.

Canonizations and the Fostering of Lay Participation

Pius XI's pontificate also left a lasting mark through significant canonizations and beatifications, honoring individuals who exemplified Christian virtue and faith. He canonized several pivotal figures, including:

• Saint Thomas More: The English statesman and martyr, revered for his unwavering conscience in refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy.
• Saint Peter Canisius: A prominent Jesuit theologian whose work was instrumental in the Catholic Counter-Reformation in Germany.
• Saint Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes: The visionary of the Marian apparitions at Lourdes, France, whose simple faith captured the hearts of millions.
• Saint John Bosco: The founder of the Salesian Society, renowned for his innovative educational methods and tireless dedication to the welfare of poor youth.

The Pope held a special reverence for Saint Thérèse de Lisieux, whom he both beatified and canonized, recognizing her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood as a profound path to holiness. He also granted "equivalent canonization" to Saint Albertus Magnus, a medieval polymath, philosopher, and theologian who was a teacher of Thomas Aquinas. This form of canonization, applied to saints whose cult has been long-standing and universal, acknowledges their sanctity without a full formal process. Furthermore, Pius XI named Albertus Magnus a Doctor of the Church, an esteemed title recognizing the significant spiritual and theological power of his extensive writings.

A key focus for Pius XI was the active engagement of lay people within the Catholic Church, particularly through the promotion of the Catholic Action movement. This initiative sought to encourage lay Catholics to participate directly in the Church's mission, extending its influence into society and applying Christian principles to various aspects of public and private life.

The Final Years: Speaking Out Against Totalitarianism

The concluding years of Pius XI's pontificate were increasingly dominated by his forceful opposition to the rising tides of totalitarianism. He courageously spoke out against the aggressive ideologies and actions of leaders like Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany and Benito Mussolini in Fascist Italy. He steadfastly defended the Catholic Church from state intrusions into Catholic life, education, and the fundamental rights of its faithful, demonstrating immense moral courage in the face of burgeoning tyranny.

Death and Legacy: The Discovery Beneath St. Peter's

Pope Pius XI passed away on February 10, 1939, in the Apostolic Palace, just months before the outbreak of World War II. He was laid to rest in the Papal Grotto beneath Saint Peter's Basilica. Remarkably, during the excavations undertaken to create space for his tomb, two earlier levels of ancient Roman burial grounds were uncovered. These excavations led to the discovery of what are now widely venerated as the bones of Saint Peter, the first Pope, a profound archaeological and spiritual find that continues to captivate pilgrims and scholars alike.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pope Pius XI

When was Pope Pius XI sovereign of Vatican City?

Pope Pius XI became the first sovereign of Vatican City on February 11, 1929, following the signing of the Lateran Treaty.

What was Pope Pius XI's papal motto?

His papal motto was "Pax Christi in Regno Christi," which translates to "The Peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ."

What were some key encyclicals issued by Pope Pius XI?

Notable encyclicals include Quadragesimo Anno, addressing social justice and economic issues; Quas Primas, establishing the Feast of Christ the King; Studiorum Ducem, promoting the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas; and Mit brennender Sorge, condemning Nazism.

How did Pius XI resolve the "Roman Question"?

Pius XI resolved the "Roman Question" by signing the Lateran Treaty in 1929 with the Kingdom of Italy, which established Vatican City as an independent state and recognized Catholicism as Italy's state religion.

Did Pope Pius XI oppose totalitarian regimes?

Yes, particularly in the later years of his pontificate, Pope Pius XI vocally condemned the totalitarian ideologies and actions of regimes such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, defending the Church from state interference.

What significant discovery was made near Pius XI's tomb?

During excavations for his tomb, two levels of ancient burial grounds were uncovered, revealing what are now venerated as the bones of Saint Peter, the first Pope.