Socialism runs counter to the principle of subsidiarity

Quadragesimo Anno, an encyclical issued by Pope Pius XI in 1931, references in its Latin title the 40th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical that was so foundational on Catholic social teaching, Rerum Novarum. Pius’ encyclical addresses the social and economic issues of his time, particularly in the context of the Great Depression. It focuses on the challenges posed by industrialization, the role of the state, and the rights and dignity of workers. It emphasizes the idea of subsidiarity, which suggests that decisions should be made at the most local level possible. But the principles of this encyclical are still highly relevant to our government and business institutions in the 21st century, particularly as it concerns the principle of subsidiarity.

“Just as it is gravely wrong to take from individuals what they can accomplish by their own initiative and industry and give it to the community, so also it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and disturbance of right order to assign to a greater and higher association what lesser and subordinate organizations can do,” Pius explains in his encyclical. “For every social activity ought of its very nature to furnish help to the members of the body social, and never destroy and absorb them.” 

Thus, subsidiarity teaches that a unit in society – whether a government or a family – should have remedy to a higher authority only in those matters it is unable to handle. This impacts how individuals, families, and institutions handle their own issues before requiring intervention from a higher-ranking institution. Subsidiarity means that we start at the local level and insist on the rights of the local community. Likewise, subsidiarity repudiates entirely both socialism and communism, which are never compatible with Catholicism.

Socialism, like communism, often advances both a persecution of the Church and a view of the state as the supreme authority. In fact, many of these forms of government force atheism on their citizens, even threatening death sometimes to those who even own a Bible. The Church’s prohibition on socialism includes not only the more extreme atheistic-inspired Socialists but all socialism. Such a declaration was expressed concisely in Quadragesimo Anno: “We make this pronouncement: Whether considered as a doctrine, or an historical fact, or a movement, Socialism, if it remains truly Socialism, even after it has yielded to truth and justice… cannot be reconciled with the teachings of the Catholic Church because its concept of society itself is utterly foreign to Christian truth.” 

There is a growing trend to embrace so-called “Christian Socialist” politicians. This trend is nothing new. Yet, the Church’s official teaching remains – socialism, no matter how it is practiced, is forbidden. Christ came to save all men through His Church and the sacraments. While we can and should do all we can to eradicate poverty and injustice, we are reminded that our Lord told us that we will always have the poor (see Matt 26:11). 

Taking away the rights of private property, violating the principle of subsidiarity, promulgating atheism as the state religion, persecuting the Church, encouraging class warfare, and urging envy are just some of the errors of socialism. Catholics have a responsibility to correct any peers who would claim to be voting in accord with Church teaching when they wrongly endorse and support candidates espousing the principles 
of socialism, even when cloaked behind the veil of good.