Anni sacri

Anni sacri is an encyclical (March 12, 1950) written by Pope Pius XII. which he published in the Holy Year 1950. He demanded a "program to combat global atheism " from his confreres .

Holy year

Initially, he praised the great success of the Holy Year that has just begun and praised the stream of pilgrims who had come to St. Peter's Basilica from all parts of the world . He expressed his hope that the pilgrims would come to Rome in even greater numbers and that they would express the longing for peace in their prayers .

Spread of atheism

Pius XII. lamented the worldwide turning away from religion and the expanding atheism. He condemned the press releases, which in many parts violate religions and harm young people. False and untrue promises would cheat people, provoke hatred, rivalry and insurrections, and fuel the decline of the economy. The Pope regretted that in some nations the rights of faith, church and human nature were being disregarded and called for greater respect for truth, freedom and religion through civil authority.

Religion and society

But if religion is lacking, writes Pius XII, then no healthy society can develop either, so during the Holy Year it is a primary task of the priests and all their confreres to preach the true Gospel and promote the renewal of morals .

Exhortation

In his exhortation he appealed and encouraged all of his brothers to seek the graces and consolations of God through a real crusade of prayers . Pius XII. called for public prayers on March 26th that he himself would initiate prayer in St. Peter's Basilica and not only pray for the Catholic world, but also implore God's help for all people.

Web links

Text of the encyclical