Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did Pope Pius XI criticize Fascism in the encyclical Non abbiamo bisogno?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Benito Mussolini in military uniform stands on a balcony, addressing a large crowd gathered below. — fascism Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini addressing a rally.

In the 1931 encyclical Non abbiamo bisogno, Pope Pius XI criticized fascism primarily for its "pagan worship of the State" and its efforts to monopolize the upbringing of the youth.12

The Pope denounced the regime for conducting a "revolution which snatches the young from the Church and from Jesus Christ" and for inculcating in the younger generation values of "hatred, violence and irreverence". While the Roman Catholic Church had initially supported Benito Mussolini following the 1929 Lateran Treaty, tensions rose as the Fascist government began curbing the activities of Catholic Action, which the regime viewed as a front for anti-Fascist activity. By issuing this encyclical, Pius XI sought to challenge the totalitarian system's encroachment on the Church's mission and its promotion of state-centered ideology over Christian principles.1234