The Solemnity of Christ the King proclaims that the authority of Christ extends over every nation, age and part of human life. Pope Pius XI established the celebration in 1925 at a time when the world was experiencing political upheaval and increasingly powerful secular ideologies.

Placed at the end of the Church’s liturgical year, the solemnity points beyond earthly power toward the kingdom Christ proclaimed — one founded not on domination, but on truth, justice, mercy and self-giving love. It is one of the highest-ranking celebrations in the Church’s calendar.