March 27

The proper division of labor among human institutions is what Pius XI's message is about. The more one governs, the better the guide to real-life situations as people are relying on government action. The principle of subsidiarity respects the natural groupings that people form with their neighbors. Pope Pius XI specifically mentions both geographical and vocational groupings among human associations that should exercise autonomy rightfully where possible. Without a centralized government, the national defense, a parks system for preserving wildlife, and other desirable resources would not be possible. Pope Pius XI lived in an age of totalitarianism, where there were threats of fascism, and communism.