Introduction
Significant global changes always create difficulties for political leadership. In addition, religious institutions and influential individuals who significantly shape the world order can make notable contributions to the development of historical events. Pope Pius XI, following the First World War, initiated numerous initiatives to promote peace and foster the development of European countries.
His actions, both before and after the outbreak of the Second World War, significantly contributed to humanity’s favorable development. In this regard, it is necessary to study in detail the contribution of Pope Pius XI to the establishment of peace during the two world wars, the promotion of social justice, and the reduction of the influence of critical times. The activity of Pope Pius XI has a dual character, reflecting both positive and negative influences on the era.
Political Background
The period between the First and Second World Wars was characterized by complex political transformations that significantly altered the global world order. At that time, a tremendous economic crisis was observed in all countries, a consequence of post-war losses and the devastation of economic opportunities. Many factors in restructuring systems in European countries have become a driving factor in the formation of totalitarian regimes with a fascist or Nazi direction.
One of the primary political prerequisites for the establishment of the fascist regime in Germany was the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 following the end of World War I (Yonkman, 2021). This imposed significant sanctions on Germany and drove it into political and economic distress. In addition, the substantial redistribution of territories after the First World War entailed additional aggravating factors.
The consequences of WWI contributed to the emergence of totalitarianism in the political environment. All Europe’s most significant political forces were gradually formed by regimes that severely suppressed freedoms and human rights (Bhambra, 2022). This affected their perception of the Church as a more stable institution than it had been before WWI. Mussolini in Italy, Hitler in Germany, and Stalin in the Soviet Union could not allow religious organizations to interfere with their activities to equip their countries.
Even though these countries had different attitudes towards religion, the Pope could serve public and peacekeeping purposes within the context of democratic regimes. Thus, the head of the Catholic Church had limited influence, which nevertheless could manifest itself through statements issued to religious figures and through international treaties that exerted pressure on politics.
International associations also played an important role in the historical events of that time. Another essential characteristic of the political situation during the interwar period is the League of Nations’ collective security system’s failure to bring peace (Scheu, 2022). Enforcement of this association’s decisions was hindered by the organization’s struggle to maintain its authority.
They occurred because the situation in Europe was gradually escalating and was not controlled in any way, which ultimately led to the full arming of the parties to the conflict and the start of World War II. Additionally, the League of Nations’ authority could not be ensured due to the absence of major powers, such as the United States, from its membership (Galal, 2020). Thus, for all the prevailing reasons, the crisis in Europe could not be stopped at the initial stage and escalated into a full-scale war.
Positive Outcomes of Pope Pius XI’s Actions
An analysis of Pope Pius XI’s activities reveals that he made significant efforts to promote peace and uphold the rights and justice of the people. Despite the outbreak of World War II, the Pope’s activity had some positive effects, including the writing of several significant social encyclicals. Through encyclicals, the Pope has emphasized the importance of subsidiarity and the state’s role in ensuring citizens’ welfare (Adamski & Łęcicki, 2019).
This influence extended widely to all Catholic priests and had profound consequences, including the beneficence and protection of certain groups within society. The strengthening of Catholic religious doctrine was an important factor that influenced perceptions of the Church as a vital international institution. Particularly important and influential encyclicals will be discussed in more detail in this paper.
In addition, Pope Pius XI paid considerable attention to his policy in eliminating poverty and establishing more equal values for all people. Marginalized and low-income people were in particular need of protection and strengthening of their rights. In this regard, the Church took steps to engage in charity and increase opportunities to create proper conditions for people. People whom the German Nazis persecuted received exceptional support from the Pope.
In particular, it was the Catholics who spoke out against segregation and racism in Germany and suffered persecution and punishment for their actions (Katona, 2020). This willingness to resist repression indicated that the Pope demonstrated virtue and a positive attitude towards people who deserved it, while condemning figures who questioned the Catholic system of morality.
One of the primary objectives of Pope Pius XI was to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts and to enhance countries’ capacity to achieve self-determination and cooperation. This one understood that, after WWI, events could unfold according to different scenarios, and a new war could break out quickly if measures were not taken. Through diplomatic efforts during the negotiations of the Lateran Treaty with Italy in 1929, he successfully established diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Italian government (Passey, 2019). Thus, Pope Pius XI significantly increased the Vatican’s role in making critical international decisions concerning essential initiatives.
Another significant accomplishment of Pope Pius XI was the publication of the encyclical document “Quadragesimo Anno.” This treatise, in many ways, illuminated the Pope’s view of how countries should be and what place human rights should occupy in them (Lubienecki, 2021). Thus, the document ultimately condemned the totalitarian structures of countries as incapable of providing sufficiently comfortable and decent living conditions and amenities for their citizens.
The principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, as stated by Pope Pius XI in speeches and treatises, repeatedly emphasized the importance of overcoming social and economic inequality. In his opinion, such factors could lead to the outbreak of a new conflict after the First World War, and therefore, they must be constantly suppressed. In addition, “Quadragesimo Anno” emphasizes the importance of protecting people’s rights and their working potential to prevent exploitation. Thus, Pope Pius XI sought to establish a just world order for all people.
In addition to the global aspirations to establish a just world, Pope Pius XI also demonstrated an effective defense of human dignity, especially evident after World War I, when totalitarian regimes began to strengthen in many European countries. In the work “Mit brennender Sorge,” in 1937, Pope radically condemned the ideology of Nazism (Unger-Alvi, 2021). He noted that the persecution of people based on their nationality and views on politics is not legal and cannot be justified by any religion.
The violation of the rights of the Jews and their persecution by Germany was the moment when the Pope intensified his fight against Nazism by drafting documents of condemnation together with the German bishops. In addition, in the document “Divini Redemptoris” in the same year about Nazism, the Pope spoke about the communist ideology, which was known for the strong suppression of the religious freedoms of citizens (Dyachenko, 2022). Thus, Pope Pius XI protected the Church’s interests and contributed to the struggle of believers seeking to regain their rights.
The Pope made an outstanding contribution to apostolic laymanship and the development of Catholic values that foster believers’ adherence to the Gospel. This approach to religious activity has justified further strategies that continue to have a fundamental impact on how the Church shapes its international policies. Thanks to the Pope’s advocacy for the rights of the laity and his Catholic Action program, the rights of the faithful could be secured, allowing them to perform all necessary rituals in a secular society. The social, political, and cultural spheres of life, due to the doctrines of the Pope, were accessible to all the laity.
Critical Analysis of What Pope Pius XI Mishandled
Pope Pius XI made a significant contribution to the spread of peaceful paradigms and the strengthening of favorable living conditions for people. However, there were some situations in which he could make mistakes in decision-making. For example, one area in which the Pope failed was in interfaith relations. The Pope has traditionally shied away from developing relations with other faiths, which has hurt many laypeople (Clifford, 2021).
One of the wrong decisions was the Pope’s order to cancel the Biblical Commission’s study of the connections between Judaism and the New Testament, which significantly strained relations with Jewish representatives (Clifford, 2021). Mutual respect is the basis for dialogue between people, and in this case, Pope Pius XI did not deliberately allow the emergence or strengthening of prejudices.
The persecution of the Jews was not of great concern to the Catholic Church. This decision had profound and lasting consequences, as later Jewish attitudes towards Catholicism were damaged by the non-intervention of the Pope in anti-Semitism (Clifford, 2021). This further contradicts the Pope’s usual course of action, given his total condemnation of the Holocaust and the actions of the Nazi and Fascist regimes.
However, one wrong decision significantly undermined trust and was perceived extremely negatively, especially in the context of the historical events of the persecution of the Jews. As a result, relations between them and the Catholics underwent a lengthy period of restoration, driven by the pontiffs’ further actions to foster rapprochement and address historical grievances.
Another wrong decision of the Pope was his attitude towards the fascist regime, which was characterized by a very restrained reaction. Pope Pius XI condemned totalitarian regimes, but his condemnation of them was not strong enough to have a practical effect on such political arrangements (Linn, 2022). This was because the Pope was not fully aware of the threat that came from fascism spreading across Europe. The Lateran Treaty, which was seen as a positive, also had a dual character, as it legitimized Mussolini’s power and allowed him to act as he wished.
Thus, this allows us to discuss the Pope’s limited knowledge of authoritarian regimes. His answer regarding them was rather belated, which in no way prevented totalitarian regimes from organizing genocides and persecutions. The absence of a more hostile and clear stance towards Nazi and Fascist ideologies delayed the mobilization of Catholic priests against the establishment of the power of Hitler and Mussolini.
Another setback for Pope Pius XI was the lack of response to the Spanish Civil War. This period also refers to the rise of the fascist regime of Francisco Franco, which the Pope was unable to stop (Linn, 2022). Later, this historical figure sparked a wave of political oppression and persecution in Spain, to which Pope Pius XI did not respond (Linn, 2022). The lack of support from the Pope for the faithful in Spain gave rise to the ambiguous interpretation that Pope Pius XI sought to remain neutral in political matters or feared losing power (Hrabovec, 2020).
On the other hand, with such a perception, the logic of the Pope’s actions regarding the total condemnation of totalitarian regimes becomes incomprehensible. This inaction towards Franco later led to the establishment of the regime in Spain and the suffering of the country’s people (Linn, 2022). However, the lack of support for the Republican side that fought against the Franco regime has raised some questions about the Pope’s desire to protect human rights and promote peace in Europe.
The adverse reaction or its absence to specific historical events prompted reflection on the present. Thus, for example, the belated reaction of Pope Pius XI to the growth of totalitarian regimes later led to the outbreak of a full-scale war in Europe, which ultimately affected the entire world. After its end, the consequences and the victims were of enormous proportions. Many countries have been recovering for a long time, rebuilding their cities and catching up on economic development.
In addition, the failure of the Pope to give a negative response to the regimes of Franco and Mussolini led to further destabilization in Europe and increased suffering for millions of people (Linn, 2022). Thus, the long-term impact of adverse events on the world order underscores the importance of a timely and unambiguous response to unfolding events in the political sphere.
Apart from the aforementioned negative consequences of the Pope’s silence and inaction, one can also say about the lack of reaction to imperialism and colonialism. Pope Pius XI did not speak unequivocally about the colonized peoples who were actually turned into enslaved people. His writings addressed social justice; however, he did not delve into the topic of mistreatment in detail. The repressive colonial rule of many regimes often affected the well-being of many people, a topic about which Pope Pius XI did not speak out.
Thus, he missed the opportunity to use his authority as the head of the Catholic Church to promote social justice and equality. Everyone deserves the same treatment and opportunities. However, the silence of Pope Pius XI in relation to the behavior of influential colonialists doomed many people to suffering and a life of oppression.
Possible Alternative Actions
The actions of Pope Pius XI were broadly defining moments in history, which means that other decisions might have brought better results. For example, one alternative action the Pope could take is to confront totalitarian regimes early on, thereby preventing them from gaining such significant influence. If, in the early 30s of the 20th century, the Pope had clearly condemned and exposed the negative aspects of fascism and Nazism, a large number of people throughout Europe could have changed their minds about whom to vote for (Fuster Cancio, 2021).
In this regard, a powerful narrative explaining why totalitarianism is harmful and what it can lead to could significantly impact European politics and possibly prevent WWII. By denouncing the ideologies of fascism and Nazism, Pope Pius XI would have been able to shape public opinion about them. Thus, it would be more difficult for political propaganda to achieve full solidarity with the people. Ultimately, such a decisive response to the systematic oppression of the people and their rights could have a positive impact on the future of all European countries.
Another historical moment in which Pope Pius XI could have acted differently was the Spanish Civil War. In this situation, the Pope made the wrong decision, which effectively meant de facto neutrality and non-interference in the country’s affairs. However, if he sided with the Republicans, it was possible to ensure that the fascist regime of Franco was not installed in the country, or at least would have a low level of support.
In the future, by making this decision, the Pope could provide significant assistance to the Allies in World War II. Restraining fascism in Spain would have had profound implications for the unfolding of events in Europe at the time. Catholics in Europe might have started to doubt the fascist political system if Pope Pius XI had intervened decisively in Franco’s activities in Spain.
The alternative actions of Pope Pius XI in the historical context could have significantly influenced the shape of the Catholic Church since WWII. The image of the Church and its influence could have been quite different had the Pope not significantly influenced the formation of political forces in Europe after the First World War. This, in turn, would give significant impetus to the development of theological institutions, given the increased significance of Catholicism.
The institution of the Papacy as a moral authority could have been much more vital in today’s realities if Pope Pius XI had put more significant pressure on fascism on the eve of World War II. However, this effect can be observed to some extent, as the Church has shown resolve in speaking out against totalitarianism. Accordingly, Pope Pius XI had a positive impact in promoting social justice.
Another aspect that could be completely different in today’s realities is the Catholic Church’s position in political and international affairs. In this context, in modern politics, the Pope could also influence some of the brewing conflicts by finding compromises, thereby saving many lives. This would be possible through the adoption of a world arbiter role to resolve international conflicts and prevent wars.
The current role of the Pope is much more modest; although he speaks out on the political situation, he does not influence it in any way. Moreover, active intervention in the actions of the Nazi and fascist regimes during WWII could establish for the Pope the status of a global defender of peace. This could significantly enhance the security of many countries today, as numerous conflict situations continue to unfold worldwide.
Conclusion
It is worth noting that Pope Pius XI’s activities had a significant impact on the world order and shaped the Catholic Church’s policy on specific events in global politics. The Pope’s activities during the period between the First and Second World Wars were crucial, as they shaped the direction of relations with various European countries. In addition, the strengthening of totalitarian regimes and the persecution of the Jewish people before the start of the war were primarily weakened by the activities of Pope Pius XI.
However, despite the complex political landscape, some actions of the head of the Catholic Church were quite controversial and could be considered negative. These include inter-confessional relations that an incorrect policy towards the Jews has spoiled. In addition, insufficiently decisive actions regarding the formation of totalitarian regimes also led to disastrous consequences.
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