Book

Kertzer, David I., 1948-, author

The pope at war : the secret history of Pius XII, Mussolini, and Hitler / David I. Kertzer.

New York : Random House, [2022].

©2022

xxxvii, 621 pages : illustrations, map ; 25 cm

When Pope Pius XII died in 1958, his papers were sealed in the Vatican Secret Archives, leaving unanswered questions about what he knew and did during World War II. In 2020, Pius XII's archives were finally opened, and David I. Kertzer has been mining this new material ever since, revealing how the pope came to set aside moral leadership in order to preserve his church's power. Based on thousands of never-before-seen documents, Kertzer clears away the myths and sheer falsehoods surrounding the pope's actions from 1939 to 1945, showing why the pope repeatedly bent to the wills of Hitler and Mussolini.

Pius XII, Pope, 1876-1958

Pius XII, Pope, 1876-1958 -- Relations with Jews

Catholic Church -- Foreign relations

Catholic Church -- Relations -- Judaism

World War, 1939-1945 -- Diplomatic history

Judaism -- Relations -- Catholic Church

Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)

World War, 1939-1945 -- Vatican City

World War, 1939-1945 -- Religious aspects -- Catholic Church

National socialism and religion

Secret history of Pius XII, Mussolini, and Hitler

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part One. WAR CLOUDS -- Death of a Pope -- Conclave -- Appealing to the Fuhrer -- Peacemaker -- "Please do not talk to me about Jews." -- Nazi Prince -- Saving Face -- War Begins -- Prince Returns -- Papal Curse -- Man of Steel -- Problematic Visitor -- Part Two. ON THE PATH TO AXIS VICTORY -- An Inopportune Time -- An Honorable Death -- Short War -- Surveillance -- Feckless Ally -- Greek Fiasco -- New World Order -- Hitler to the Rescue -- Crusade -- New Prince -- Best to Say Nothing -- Part Three. CHANGING FORTUNES -- Escaping Blame -- Papal Premiere -- Disaster Foretold -- Thorny Problem -- An Awkward Request -- Good Nazi -- Deposing the Duce -- Musical Chairs -- Betrayal -- Part Four.THE SKY TURNED BLACK --Fake News -- Pope's Jews -- Baseless Rumors -- Treason -- Gratifying Sight -- Malevolent Reports -- Gruesome End.

2022000861

9780812989946 (hardcover)

7

2

7

1945483

940.53/2545634

0

1

1