Introduction
David I. Kertzer's "The Pope at War" is a gripping exploration of Pope Pius XII's role during World War II. Drawing from recently unsealed Vatican documents, Kertzer presents a nuanced and often troubling portrait of a religious leader caught between competing loyalties and moral imperatives. This book challenges our understanding of the Catholic Church's actions during one of history's darkest periods and raises profound questions about the nature of leadership and moral responsibility in times of crisis.
The Rise of Eugenio Pacelli
A Controversial Succession
The story begins with the death of Pope Pius XI in February 1939. On his deathbed, Pius XI was preparing to deliver a powerful speech condemning Nazism and Italy's anti-Jewish laws. However, his sudden passing left this task unfinished. Enter Eugenio Pacelli, the Vatican's Secretary of State, who would soon become Pope Pius XII.
Pacelli's first significant act foreshadowed his future approach. At the request of Mussolini's representatives, he agreed to destroy all existing copies of his predecessor's undelivered speech. This decision set the tone for Pacelli's papacy – one marked by caution, diplomacy, and a reluctance to confront fascist regimes directly.
The New Pope's Vision
Elected as Pope Pius XII, Pacelli envisioned himself as a "pope of peace." He sought to strengthen the Church's moral authority while maintaining its independence from nationalist politics. However, this vision would be severely tested by the looming specter of war and the brutal realities of fascist rule.
Secret Negotiations and Moral Compromises
The Nazi Prince
One of the most startling revelations in Kertzer's book is the existence of secret negotiations between Pope Pius XII and Hitler, facilitated by a figure known as the "Nazi Prince." Prince Phillipp von Hessen, married to an Italian princess, served as a go-between for these clandestine communications.
These meetings reveal a pope willing to make significant compromises to protect the Church's interests. In exchange for easing anti-Catholic propaganda in Germany, Pius XII agreed to remain silent on Germany's racial policies and to rein in outspoken clergy members who criticized the Nazi regime.
The Price of Silence
The pope's silence came at a terrible cost. As Hitler's armies marched across Europe, millions suffered under Nazi occupation. The Polish people, in particular, pleaded with the pope to speak out against the atrocities they were enduring. Yet, time and again, Pius XII chose not to use his moral authority to condemn these actions publicly.
This pattern of silence extended to the treatment of Jews across Europe. Even when presented with concrete evidence of the Holocaust, the pope kept this information secret and refused to speak out against the mass killings.
The War Escalates
A Moment of Hesitation
As the war intensified, there was a brief moment when it seemed Pope Pius XII might break his silence. Following Hitler's invasion of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, the pope sent telegrams to the leaders of these nations expressing his sympathy and prayers. He even allowed these messages to be published in the Vatican newspaper.
However, this small act of defiance was short-lived. Faced with angry backlash from Mussolini, the pope quickly retreated to his policy of neutrality and silence. He ensured that the Vatican newspaper would no longer publish anything critical of Hitler or Mussolini.
Understanding the Pope's Motivations
Kertzer's book paints a complex picture of Pope Pius XII's motivations. It's clear that he wasn't simply a coward or a Nazi sympathizer. Instead, his actions were driven by a combination of factors:
- A genuine desire for peace and a belief that the Church should remain above the fray of international politics.
- A prioritization of the Church's long-term interests over immediate moral imperatives.
- A misguided assumption that Hitler and Mussolini would be the dominant powers in post-war Europe, necessitating good relations with their regimes.
- A degree of anti-Semitism that, while not as extreme as the Nazis', made him less inclined to speak out on behalf of Jewish victims.
The Pope's Priorities
Morality and Purity
While remaining silent on the atrocities of war, Pope Pius XII was vocal on issues of personal morality. He gave impassioned speeches to young women about the importance of purity and modesty. He also criticized the lack of government intervention in regulating "immoral" entertainment on television and in movies.
These priorities reveal a disconnect between the pope's focus on individual morality and the larger moral questions posed by the war and the Holocaust.
The Pastor Angelicus
In a surreal twist, amid the devastation of war, Pope Pius XII commissioned a film about his own life titled "Pastor Angelicus" (The Angelic Shepherd). This title was derived from a 12th-century prophecy that supposedly foretold his papacy.
The creation of this film during such a tumultuous time highlights the pope's concern with his own image and legacy, even as millions suffered under Nazi occupation.
The Tides of War Turn
A Belated Statement
As the United States entered the war and the Allies began to gain ground, Pope Pius XII made a tepid statement against the atrocities being committed by the Axis powers in his 1942 Christmas speech. However, this condemnation was buried deep within a verbose address and had little impact.
Concerns for Rome
As the Allies advanced, the pope's primary concern shifted to protecting Rome from bombing and occupation. He made specific requests to the Allies, including asking that no troops of color be stationed in Rome if it were occupied. These requests reveal both the racial attitudes of the time and the pope's narrow focus on preserving the Church's seat of power.
The Jewish Question
Complicity Through Silence
One of the most damning aspects of Pope Pius XII's wartime record is his silence on the Holocaust. Kertzer's book reveals that the pope had confirmed knowledge of Germany's systematic killing of Jews. Yet, when asked about it by the Allies, he kept this information secret.
This silence extended to the fate of Rome's Jewish population. When the Nazis began rounding up Jews in Rome, right outside the Vatican's walls, the pope's response was limited and ineffective.
The Raid on Rome's Jews
In October 1943, the Nazis gathered over 1,200 of Rome's Jews and held them in a building near the Vatican. During this two-day period, Pope Pius XII managed to secure the release of about 200 individuals who had converted to Catholicism.
While some have hailed this as a heroic act, it's important to note that over 1,000 Jews were still sent to Auschwitz. The vast majority of these individuals perished in the gas chambers or died from the brutal conditions in the labor camps.
Throughout this ordeal, the pope maintained his public silence, even as Jewish families desperately appealed to him for help.
The Aftermath
A Change in Tone
As the war drew to a close and it became clear that the Allies would be victorious, Pope Pius XII became more outspoken. With Hitler and Mussolini no longer threats, the pope felt free to voice stronger opinions on the war and its atrocities.
Legacy and Controversy
In the years following the war, Pope Pius XII was celebrated by some as a defender of the Church and the savior of Rome. The process of beatification (the first step towards sainthood) was even initiated after his death.
However, as more information came to light about his actions (and inactions) during the war, his legacy became increasingly controversial. In 2014, Pope Francis halted the process of sainthood for Pius XII due to insufficient evidence of miracles attributed to him.
Reflections on Moral Leadership
Kertzer's book raises profound questions about the nature of moral leadership in times of crisis. Pope Pius XII's papacy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing institutional interests over moral imperatives.
The Cost of Silence
The pope's policy of neutrality and silence came at an enormous human cost. While it's impossible to know how history might have unfolded differently had he spoken out forcefully against Nazi atrocities, his silence undoubtedly made it easier for these crimes to continue unchallenged.
Institutional vs. Moral Imperatives
Pope Pius XII's actions reveal the tension that can exist between preserving an institution and upholding moral principles. By prioritizing the long-term interests of the Catholic Church, he failed to provide moral leadership when it was most desperately needed.
The Limits of Neutrality
The pope's attempt to remain neutral in the face of clear moral evil demonstrates the impossibility of true neutrality in such situations. By not speaking out against Nazi atrocities, he effectively provided tacit support for their actions.
The Power of Words
"The Pope at War" underscores the immense power that words can have, especially when spoken by a figure of moral authority. Pope Pius XII's silence was not merely an absence of action; it was an active choice that had real consequences for millions of people.
Conclusion
David I. Kertzer's "The Pope at War" provides a nuanced and deeply researched account of Pope Pius XII's actions during World War II. By drawing on newly unsealed Vatican documents, Kertzer offers fresh insights into the motivations and decisions of this controversial figure.
The book serves as a powerful reminder that moral leadership often requires difficult choices and the courage to speak out against evil, even when doing so may come at a personal or institutional cost. Pope Pius XII's failure to rise to this challenge during one of history's darkest hours serves as a sobering lesson for leaders in all spheres of life.
Ultimately, "The Pope at War" is not just a historical account of one man's actions during World War II. It's a meditation on the nature of moral responsibility, the limits of diplomacy, and the devastating consequences that can result when those in positions of power and influence choose silence in the face of atrocity.
As we continue to grapple with moral challenges in our own time, the story of Pope Pius XII serves as a stark reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular to do so. It challenges us to consider how we might act in similar circumstances and what responsibilities we bear as individuals and as members of institutions to confront evil and injustice in our world.
In the end, the legacy of Pope Pius XII remains complex and contested. But through Kertzer's meticulous research and compelling narrative, we gain a deeper understanding of the man, his times, and the moral quandaries he faced. "The Pope at War" stands as an important contribution to our understanding of World War II, the role of the Catholic Church in global affairs, and the enduring questions of moral leadership that continue to resonate in our world today.