The notion of “subsidiarity” was first expressed in an authorative and official document by Pope Pius XI. The document covered his thoughts on social questions and was entitled “Quadragesimo anno.” However, the concept of subsidiarity was first pondered in Germany during the first two World Wars. In 1884, a study group of “social Catholics” was formed under Bishop Gaspard Mermillod of Lausanne called “The Fribourg Union.” The group wanted to create a doctrine that would address …showed first 75 words of 805 total…

…showed last 75 words of 805 total…authority. Higher authority, such as the Pope, should be concerned with handling issues that affect the religious community on a much larger scale. Having higher authority discuss and solve all religious issues would be very time consuming and tedious. If more local authorities took care of local issues, religious communities will be able to operate smoother and with less conflict. This would also help to build close and personal religious bonds within local religious communities.