The Feast of Christ the King, also known as the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is a relatively recent addition to the liturgical calendar, established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 with the encyclical Quas Primas. The feast was introduced to remind Christians of Christ’s sovereignty over all human affairs and the ultimate authority of God over temporal powers. It serves as a counterpoint to secularism and the rise of nationalism, which Pope Pius XI saw as significant threats to the faith and society at that time.
The feast was initially celebrated on the last Sunday of October but was later moved to the final Sunday of the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church’s 1969 liturgical reform. This change emphasized Christ’s ultimate victory at the culmination of history, fittingly closing the church year and leading into Advent, the season of awaiting Christ’s coming.
The readings and prayers for the Feast of Christ the King highlight themes of Christ’s kingship as one of service, humility, and sacrifice rather than worldly power and domination. They focus on Christ’s role as the Good Shepherd and the righteous judge who comes to establish God’s reign of justice and peace.