Two very important words that seem to have found a special place in the media are "subsidiarity" and "solidarity". It does seem that the word subsidiarity has entered secular political language via Catholic social teaching in connection with the Maastricht Treaty. However, it is appropriate to point out that the principle of subsidiarity had been defined by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Quadragesimo Anno in 1931 in the following terms:

"Just as it is gravely wrong to take from individuals what they can accomplish by their own initiative and industry and give it to the community, so also it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and disturbance of the right order to assign to a greater or higher association what lesser and subordinate organisations can do. For every social activity ought of its very nature to furnish help to the members of the body social, and never destroy or absorb them.

"The supreme authority of the State ought, therefore, to let subordinate groups handle matters and concerns of lesser importance, which would otherwise dissipate its efforts greatly. Thereby the State will more freely, powerfully and effectively do all those things that belong to it alone because it alone can do them: directing, watching, urging, restraining, as occasion requires and necessity demands. Therefore those in power should be sure that the more perfectly a graduated order is kept among the various associations, in observance of the principle of subsidiarity function, the stronger social authority and effectiveness will be, the happier and more prosperous the condition of the State." (para. 80)

It should be expressed in precise and clear terms that the principle of subsidiarity is not at all an ally of those who favour the maximisation of State power, or the centralisation of the State at the expense of local institutions. It supports a dispersal of authority as close to the grass roots as good government allows, and it prefers local over central decision-making.

Subsidiarity also implies the existence of a range of various institutions below the level of the State; some of these bodies are for the making of decisions affecting individuals; some are for influencing the way those decisions are made. It has to be pointed out that throughout Pius XI's teaching there is an implicit and intimate relationship between subsidiarity and the common good, in accordance with the principle of solidarity.

Indeed, in the context of constitutional reforms, one has to keep in mind the importance of retaining the connection between subsidiarity and solidarity, which are two fundamental and inseparable principles. Subsidiarity should never be adopted as an excuse for selfishness nor promoted at the expense of the common good to the detriment of the poorest and the vulnerable sections of the community.

This very important concept was explained very strongly and clearly by Pope John Paul II in his social encyclicals and during his pastoral visits around the globe.