Encyclical: On the Restoration of All Things in Christ; E Supremi Apostolatus

by Pope Pius X

Pope St. Pius X here lays out the program of his pontificate. This is the same as that which St. Paul proposed to the Christians at “ Instaurare omnia in to renew all things in Christ. ” But if it was a difficult task in St. Paul’s time, it is surely no less difficult in ours.

The pope notes how “the nations are raging” against God; how men are putting themselves in His place. This is, as it were, a foretaste of the evil days to come, of the Anti-Christ. But he reassures us that God will ultimately win this battle, as can be read from the Scriptures. Therefore everyone should pray for God’s supreme dominion over all things. Peace, that tranquility of order, can only be restored when men join “God’s Party.” On the other hand, submission to God can only come through acknowledging the sovereignty of Our Lord Jesus Christ, without whom no one could be saved. Therefore, the pope points out, to restore all things in Christ and to lead men back to submission to God is one and the same aim.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction

17 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 1903

About the author

Pope Saint Pius X (Ecclesiastical Latin: Pius PP. X), born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto, was the 257th Pope of the Catholic Church, serving from 1903 to 1914. He was the first pope since Pope Pius V to be canonized. Pius X rejected modernist interpretations of Catholic doctrine, promoting traditional devotional practices and orthodox theology. His most important reform was to publish the first Code of Canon Law, which collected the laws of the Church into one volume for the first time. Frequent communion was a lasting innovation of his papacy.

Reviews

[Paul Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine encyclical outlining the basics of how to combat modernism: through the sanctification and education of priests, the use of patience in all people to provide a witness of Catholic charity, and the education of all the laity (even the highly educated) in Catholic doctrines against rationalism. Argues that most people fall to rationalism and incredulity out of ignorance, not just moral depravity.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heart Pope St Pius X