Ad Caeli Reginam

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Ad Caeli Reginam, meaning “To the Queen of Heaven,” is a papal encyclical by Pope Pius XII. It was issued on October 11, 1954, from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, near the end of the Marian year and in the sixteenth year of his pontificate. The encyclical is best known for establishing the feast of the Queenship of Mary.

The pope explains why Mary is honored as queen. She is the Mother of God (theotokos), she cooperates with Jesus in redemption as the New Eve, and she is endowed with preeminent holiness and powerful intercession. The Church has long spoken of Mary’s royal dignity in liturgy and devotion, with earlier popes and saints using the title of Queen and praying to Mary as Queen.

Pius XII teaches that Jesus is the King, but Mary shares in his kingship by being his mother and participating in his saving work. This participation is not a claim to equality with Christ, but a special, subordinate role in God’s plan.

The encyclical also cautions theologians and preachers to avoid two extremes: Marian exaggeration and an overly narrow view that ignores her role. It notes that many Christians suffer persecution and lack religious and human rights; Mary’s title as Queen of Creation is a reason to call on her intercession for these people.

Finally, Ad Caeli Reginam establishes the feast of the Queenship of Mary. It was originally celebrated on May 31, but was later moved to August 22, seven days after the Feast of the Assumption.