Thus, to show in what state of mind and will We have accepted this greatest burden of shepherding the flock of Christ, We may well give voice to the same sorrowful cries that he once uttered. 

 

1. "My tears, my sobbing, and my groans - he says - are my witnesses, flowing from the depths of my heart, such as I do not remember ever shedding in any sorrow, until this day, when it seemed that the heavy burden of the archbishopric of Canterbury fell upon me. Those who saw my face that day could not have failed to notice... I grew pale with terror and anguish, appearing more like the dead than the living. I opposed this choice - or rather this compulsion - as much as I could, and to this day, to speak frankly, I have resisted. Yet, willing or not, I must now confess that with each passing day the judgments of God press more strongly against my efforts, to such an extent that I see no way to escape them.

And so, overcome not so much by human force as by divine will, against which there is no recourse, I feel that nothing is left for me but to surrender completely to God’s judgment and will -after so many prayers and efforts to avoid drinking from this cup - resigning my own judgment and desire."

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2. "Truly, we had many and grave reasons for our resistance. Not only because of our insufficiency, which made us deem ourselves unworthy of the honor of the Pontificate in every way; for who would not be shaken at the thought of succeeding him who, having governed the Church with great wisdom for almost 26 years, shone with such brilliance of mind and virtue that he won admiration even from his adversaries and immortalized his memory through enduring works?

 

3. Furthermore, putting aside many other considerations, we were profoundly distressed by the most lamentable condition of humanity in these times. For who does not know that today society is suffering from a deep affliction - worse than any in previous ages - which grows stronger by the day and consumes it entirely, pushing it toward destruction? This disease, as you understand well, Venerable Brothers, is the turning away and apostasy from God. For truly, nothing is more deadly, as the Prophet says: 'Behold, they who depart from Thee shall perish' (Ps 73:27). We therefore saw it as our duty, derived from the office entrusted to us, to try to avert this disaster; we regarded as addressed to us the command: 'See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant' (Jer 1:10). Yet, fully convinced of our weakness, we feared to take upon ourselves this task - so urgent and full of difficulty."

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PROGRAMME OF THE PONTIFICATE.

4. "But since it pleased God to elevate our lowliness to this height of power, we take courage in Him who strengthens us; relying on God's power, with our hand set to the plough, we declare that our sole purpose in this Pontificate is 'to restore all things in Christ' (Eph 1:10), so that He may be 'all and in all' (Col 3:11). Surely, there will be those who, measuring divine matters with human standards, will seek to uncover the innermost thoughts of our soul, hoping to exploit them for earthly aims or partisan agendas. To cut off all such hope, we declare with firm resolve: we wish to be, and with God’s help will be, nothing to human society but the servant of God, whose authority we represent. God's cause is our cause: to it we resolve to dedicate all our strength - even our very life. So, if anyone desires a motto that sums up the movement of our soul, we repeat always: 'To restore all things in Christ!'"

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HUMANITY DEIFIES ITSELF BY FIGHTING GOD.

5. "In undertaking and carrying out this noble work, we draw our greatest encouragement from the certainty that we shall have your willing cooperation. Were we to doubt this, we would wrongly suppose that you either do not understand the sacrilegious battle now being waged - as it seems - everywhere against God, or that you are indifferent to it. For indeed, today 'the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain' (Ps 2:1), and the universal cry of God's enemies arises: 'Depart from us!' (Job 21:14). Hence, in many hearts all reverence for the Eternal God has perished; and in public and private affairs alike, His supreme will is openly disregarded. Rather, every effort and deceit is used to erase even the memory and the very notion of God.

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6. Anyone who truly reflects on this must be rightly alarmed-whether this perversity of mind is not a sign, even the beginning, of the calamities foretold for the end times; whether perhaps the 'son of perdition' (2 Thess 2:3), of whom the Apostle speaks, is not already on the earth. With what audacity and rage religion is everywhere attacked, the evidences of revealed faith are contested, and every bond between man and God is persistently torn! And man - as the Apostle notes, a mark of the Antichrist - has impudently taken God’s place, exalting himself above all that is called God, to such an extent that, though he cannot entirely erase the idea of God from his heart, he has rejected His majesty and made this visible world his own temple, where he seeks to be worshipped. 'He will sit in the temple of God, showing himself as if he were God' (2 Thess 2:4).

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7. But what shall be the outcome of this weak human rebellion against God? No reasonable person can doubt it. Man may indeed misuse his freedom to violate the law and offend the majesty of the Creator of all, but victory always belongs to God. In fact, the more arrogantly man rises, assured of triumph, the nearer is his defeat. Scripture warns us: 'He overlooks the sins of men' (Wis 11:23), as if forgetting His power and greatness; but soon, after this seeming withdrawal, 'He shall arise like a mighty man refreshed with wine' (Ps 78:65), and 'He shall crush the heads of His enemies' (Ps 68:22), so that all may know 'God is King over all the earth' (Ps 47:7), and 'the nations may know they are but men' (Ps 9:20)."

But, more importantly, by word and deed, in the light of day, defending God's supreme authority over mankind and all creation, and demanding that His law and dominion be reverently acknowledged and upheld.

 

This is required not only by the obligation arising from the order of nature, but also by the common good. For who, Venerable Brothers, would not be seized by fear and sorrow at the sight of so many people-while the progress of humanity is rightly praised-fighting among themselves so fiercely that it seems as if all are at war with all? Surely every heart longs for peace; there is no one who does not fervently desire it. But to desire peace while rejecting God is absurd: for where God is not, justice disappears, and with the disappearance of justice, all hope for peace vanishes: “The fruit of justice will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17). We are aware, indeed, that there are many who, moved by a love of peace-or, as it is often said, love of public order-form associations and parties they call parties of order. Vain hopes and wasted efforts! There is but one party of order that can restore tranquility amid the prevailing confusion: the party of those who are on God's side. It is therefore necessary to support this party, to bring as many people into it as possible, if we are truly guided by love of public peace.

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TO LEAD HUMANITY BACK TO GOD.

8. However, this return of nations to the majesty and dominion of God, Venerable Brothers, can be achieved only through Jesus Christ, no matter how earnestly we strive for it. The Apostle warns us in this regard: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 3:11). For He is the only one “whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world” (John 10:36), “the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His being” (Heb 1:3), true God and true man, without whom no one can truly know God, for “no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him” (Matt 11:27). Hence, to restore all things in Christ means nothing other than to lead people back to God's obedience. Our efforts must therefore be directed toward bringing mankind under Christ's reign; once this is accomplished, it will naturally return to God Himself. And by God we mean not the powerless and indifferent deity imagined by materialist delusions, but the living and true God-one in nature, three in persons-Creator of the world, most wise Ruler of all things, the most just Lawgiver, who punishes evil deeds and swiftly rewards virtue.

 

9. The path leading to Christ need not be searched for: it is the Church. Rightly, then, does Chrysostom say: “The Church is your hope, the Church is your salvation, the Church is your refuge.” It is for this purpose that Christ founded it, having purchased it at the price of His own blood; He entrusted it with His teaching and laws, and endowed it with the treasures of divine grace for the sanctification and salvation of souls. Behold, then, Venerable Brothers, the task that ultimately falls upon us and upon you: to bring humanity-wandering far from Christ's wisdom-back to the obedience of the Church; the Church will then offer it to Christ, and Christ will return it to God. If we accomplish this, with God's help, we may rejoice that iniquity has given way to righteousness and, in blessedness, we shall hear the “loud voice in heaven saying: Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ” (Rev 12:10). In order for the result to match our desires, we must put forth every effort to completely eradicate the dreadful and terrifying sin of our time: man usurping the place that belongs to God.

 

We must restore the eternal dignity of the holy laws and counsels of the Gospel; raise high the truths proclaimed by the Church concerning the sanctity of marriage, the education of youth, the rightful use and governance of material goods, and the responsibilities of those who manage public affairs; and reestablish proper harmony between social classes according to Christian law and institutions. These are the principles we intend to apply during our Pontificate, in obedience to God's will, and we shall apply them with full vigor. It is your duty, Venerable Brothers, to cooperate in this task by your holiness, your teaching, your experience, and above all, by your zeal for God's glory, seeking nothing but that “Christ be formed in all” (Gal 4:19).

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THE NEED TO FORM HOLY PRIESTS.

10. Moving on to the means by which such great goals are to be achieved, it is hardly necessary to enumerate them here-they are self-evident. Your first duty must be to form Christ in those who, by their vocation, are called to form Him in others. We speak of priests, Venerable Brothers, who, being raised to higher orders, must remember that among the people to whom they are sent, they have the same mission Paul described with tender words: “My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you” (Gal 4:19).

But how can they fulfill such a task if they themselves have not first put on Christ? And not merely in name, but so fully that they can say with the Apostle: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20); “For to me, to live is Christ” (Phil 1:21). Though the exhortation “until we all reach maturity, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13) applies to all the faithful, it applies especially to the priest, who is called “another Christ” - not only because he shares in Christ’s authority, but because he must imitate His actions and reflect His image.

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11. Therefore, Venerable Brothers, how great must be your care in forming clergy in every path of holiness! All other concerns must yield to this one. Your highest priority should be the proper organization and direction of seminaries, where sound teaching and holy conduct must both flourish. Regard each seminary as the joy of your heart, and neglect no detail for its welfare, as prescribed with great foresight by the Council of Trent. When the time comes for clerics to receive ordination, do not forget Paul’s advice to Timothy: “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (1 Tim 5:22), firmly convinced that the character of the faithful will generally reflect the quality of those admitted to the priesthood. Therefore, do not let yourselves be swayed by private interests; look only to God, the Church, and the eternal welfare of souls, lest you be “sharers in the sins of others” (1 Tim 5:22).

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Young priests leaving the seminary must not be left without your care. From the depths of our heart, we beseech you to embrace them with burning charity, to inspire and encourage them to desire only God and the salvation of souls. For our part, Venerable Brothers, we shall strive with all diligence to prevent the clergy from falling into the trap of a new and misleading form of knowledge that lacks the spirit of Christ, but under the guise of clever and polished argument, spreads the seeds of rationalist or semi-rationalist error. The Apostle had already warned Timothy against such things: “Guard the deposit of faith. Avoid profane babbling and the contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and thus wandered from the faith” (1 Tim 6:20–21).

This does not mean, of course, that we withhold praise from young priests who pursue studies in various fields of wisdom in order to be better equipped to defend the truth and refute attacks on the faith. But we openly declare, and without hesitation, that we shall always give preference to those who, without neglecting secular and theological studies, dedicate themselves first and foremost to the care of souls and the duties most fitting for a priest who is zealous for the glory of God.

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“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart” (Rom 9:2), when we see that the lament of Jeremiah still applies today: “Little ones beg for bread, but no one breaks it for them” (Lam 4:4). There are priests who, following their personal preferences, exhaust their energies on superficial matters, rather than on more deeply beneficial work; while few there are who, following Christ’s example, apply to themselves the words of the Prophet: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, to set captives free, to give sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18–19).

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TEACH THE TRUTHS OF THE FAITH!

12. Who, then, Venerable Brethren, can be unaware that, provided man is guided only by reason and free will, the most effective way to restore God’s rule over souls is religious instruction? How many there are, no doubt, who hate Christ and loathe the Church and the Gospel, more out of ignorance than out of malice-of whom it could be said: “But these people blaspheme whatever they do not understand” (Jude 1:10). This state of soul is found not only among the common people and the lower classes, who are easily led astray into error, but even among the educated-indeed, even among those whose intellectual attainments are by no means ordinary. Hence, the weakening of faith in many. For it is not reasonable to suppose that faith diminishes with the progress of knowledge; rather, it is due to a lack of knowledge. Where ignorance is greatest, there also is the widest abandonment of the faith. For this reason, Christ commanded His Apostles: “Go therefore and teach all nations” (Matt. 28:19).

 

LOVE!

13. And in order that this apostolate and zeal for teaching may bear the desired fruit and that Christ may be formed in all, let everyone, Venerable Brethren, keep well in mind that there is nothing more powerful than love. For “the Lord was not in the whirlwind” (1 Kings 19:11). It is in vain to hope that bitter zeal will draw souls to God; on the contrary, harsh condemnation of errors and violent rebuke of faults often does more harm than good. The Apostle did indeed instruct Timothy: “Reprove, entreat, rebuke”-but he added: “with all patience” (2 Tim. 4:2). This too was clearly taught by Christ in His own example. “Come to Me,” He said, “all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). By “laboring” and “burdened” He meant those enslaved by error and sin. What gentleness, what kindness, what compassion did this Master show for all the afflicted! The prophet Isaiah faithfully portrayed His heart in these words: “I have put My Spirit upon Him.

 

He shall not cry out or lift up His voice. A bruised reed He shall not break, and a smoldering wick He shall not quench” (Isa. 42:1–3). This love-patient and kind (cf. 1 Cor. 13:4)-must extend even to our enemies and persecutors. “We bless when we are cursed,” said Paul of himself, “we endure when we are persecuted” (1 Cor. 4:12). They may seem worse than they are. Social influences, prejudices, others’ counsel and example, or even misguided human respect may have driven them into the camp of the impious. But their will is not yet as corrupted as they may themselves believe. Why, then, should we not hope that the fire of Christian love will dispel the darkness shrouding such souls and bring in the light and peace of God? The fruits of our labors may be delayed, but love never wearies in waiting, for it knows that God rewards not the results, but the good will behind them.

 

COOPERATION OF THE LAITY UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE BISHOPS.

14. Far be it from Us, Venerable Brethren, to think that in this grave work of restoring all things in Christ you and your clergy should be left without helpers. We know well that “God has given to each a commandment concerning his neighbor” (Sirach 17:12). Thus, not only priests, but all the faithful without exception must work together for the cause of God and the salvation of souls-not on their own initiative, nor following their own ideas, but always under the direction and guidance of the bishops. For to no one else but you, “whom the Holy Spirit has made overseers to shepherd the Church of God” (Acts 20:28), has the power to rule, to teach, and to govern the Church been given. It is long since recognized and blessed by Our Predecessors that Catholics, for various purposes but always for the good of religion, unite in associations. We therefore do not hesitate to honor these noble institutions with Our approval and earnestly desire that they grow and flourish in cities and villages alike.

 

It is Our wish that such associations should aim above all to ensure that their members lead truly Christian lives. It is of little use to skillfully debate various questions or speak eloquently about rights and duties if all this is far removed from action. For what our times demand are actions-actions aimed at fully and conscientiously observing God’s law and the Church’s commandments, openly and sincerely professing the faith, and performing works of mercy in all their forms, without any view to personal or worldly gain. Such splendid examples of so many champions of Christ will be far more effective in stirring and winning hearts than any eloquence or clever argument. And it will come to pass that many, casting aside fear, prejudice, and doubt, will return to Christ and help to spread knowledge and love of Him-true and certain means to real happiness. Indeed, when in every city and village the commandments of God are faithfully kept, sacred things held in honor, the Sacraments frequently received, and all that pertains to Christian life is duly observed, then, Venerable Brethren, little will remain to be done in order to renew all things in Christ.

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EXPECTED TEMPORAL FRUITS OF RENEWAL.

Nor should all this be seen solely as an effort to gain heavenly goods. It will also contribute greatly to temporal happiness and general prosperity. For once this is achieved, the wealthy and powerful will aid the poor with justice and love, while the poor will bear their hardships with patience and peace. Citizens will follow the rule of law, not their own caprice; all will consider it a sacred duty to respect and love rulers and authorities, “for there is no authority except from God” (Rom. 13:1). What more? All will then realize that the Church must enjoy the full freedom that Christ, its Founder, granted it, and that it cannot be subject to external coercion. In restoring this freedom, We defend not only the most sacred rights of religion, but also contribute to the common good and to universal peace. “Godliness is valuable in every way” (1 Tim. 4:8); where it is held in honor and strength, truly “My people will live in a peaceful dwelling place” (Isa. 32:18).

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CONCLUSION.

15. May God, “who is rich in mercy” (Eph. 2:4), graciously hasten the renewal of the nations in Jesus Christ; for “it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God” (Rom. 9:16). As for Us, Venerable Brethren, “with a contrite spirit” (Dan. 3:39), in daily and fervent prayer let us beg this grace for the merits of Jesus Christ. Let us also invoke the powerful intercession of the Mother of God. And taking advantage of the fact that We issue this letter on the day dedicated to the Rosary of Mary, We likewise decree and confirm all that Our Predecessor established regarding the dedication of the month of October to the Virgin Queen by means of the public recitation of the Rosary in churches. Let all also seek the intercession of St. Joseph, the chaste spouse of the Mother of God and patron of the Catholic Church, as well as of Saints Peter and Paul, the princes of the Apostles.

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16. And that all this may be effectively fulfilled and your labors bear abundant fruit, We implore for you the riches of divine grace. As a token of the tender love with which We embrace you and all the faithful whom Divine Providence has entrusted to Us, We most lovingly in the Lord impart to you, Venerable Brethren, and to your clergy and people, Our Apostolic Blessing.

Given at St. Peter’s in Rome, on the 4th day of October, 1903, the first year of Our Pontificat.