New book recounts Pope Pius XII's efforts to save thousands of Jews (CNA)

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It’s about time. I see it as nothing but pure evil to vilify the legacy of a man who did the best that he could under such unimaginable circumstances to help save his fellow man. Hopefully, we’ll see the day when everyone recognizes and praises this man who Hitler himself described as his “greatest enemy.” Pope Pius XII ranks up there as one of the greatest persons of world history.
 
I agree that he worked and was successful in saving the lives of thousands of Jews. I still would not support his beatification or canonization, since I don’t see his efforts as being of a level considered “heroic”. He spent far too much time trying to convince the Allies to work with Hitler on fighting the real scourge of Communism, rather than declaring the evil inherent in both systems. As a result, he squandered the Vatican’s prestige and possible use in any peace negotiation, and generated a view in the American State Department that the Vatican was secretly pro-Nazi.

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Muzhik said:
I agree that he worked and was successful in saving the lives of thousands of Jews. I still would not support his beatification or canonization, since I don’t see his efforts as being of a level considered “heroic”. He spent far too much time trying to convince the Allies to work with Hitler on fighting the real scourge of Communism, rather than declaring the evil inherent in both systems. As a result, he squandered the Vatican’s prestige and possible use in any peace negotiation, and generated a view in the American State Department that the Vatican was secretly pro-Nazi.

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We don’t need your support, John Paul II and the Congregation for the Cause of Saints has furthered his cause and it needs Benedict’s approval now. He did declare the evil inherent in both systems, he had been outspoken about Hitler prior to being pope, and he saw what happened in the Netherlands when diplomats with big mouths wanted to play superman out on radio.

The fact that JPII and the Vatican are working forward on this matter suggests that not only do they know more than us, but also it’s going to happen, have a cry about it.

His beatification is not solely based on WWII either, it’s sad that you can come to a decision on not supporting based on 6 years, 6 important years, but nevertheless 6 years of a lifetime that was 82. Very sad. And in eithercase it’s not about showing the USA which side he was on, we don’t all work to improve our image with the USA you know? And it certainly wasn’t needed in the late 30’s and early 40’s. The fact that many refugees and the chief RABBI of Rome converted to Catholicism and took up the name of “Eugenio” should be cause in itself to make him venerable.
 
Muzhik said:
I agree that he worked and was successful in saving the lives of thousands of Jews. I still would not support his beatification or canonization, since I don’t see his efforts as being of a level considered “heroic”. He spent far too much time trying to convince the Allies to work with Hitler on fighting the real scourge of Communism, rather than declaring the evil inherent in both systems. As a result, he squandered the Vatican’s prestige and possible use in any peace negotiation, and generated a view in the American State Department that the Vatican was secretly pro-Nazi.

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My opinion, but I really think you need to examine the definition of the word “heroic.” Pius XII was walking a razor’s edge the whole time the world was at war. Hitler himself ordered a mission to kidnap the pope. A German officer put on his civilian clothes, walked straight into the Vatican and warned officials of the danger. As I said before, Hitler called Pius XII his “greatest enemy.” Do you wonder why?

In regards to the nazi vs. communist argument, the long term goals of the nazis were not known by the world at the start of the war in '39. The bolsheviks in Russia had made their plans known after the revolution in 1917 and the civil war that followed. The world long knew of the horrors that were going on in Russia decades before the nazi threat was realized, so it isn’t fair to look in hindsight and say that Pius XII “squandered” anything. The Holy See had a very active duty to protect those catholics in countries under the control of the Germans and it is for that reason that some say he was “pro nazi” or “cooperated” with the nazis, a charge that is both bogus and unfair.

Pope Pius XII exhibited nothing but heroic virtue.
 
Few people remember that before WWII, Hitler was one of the most admired men in the world. American ambassadors called him a genuine gentleman and a leader full of hope bringing the German people to prosperity. He fought communism and unified his country. It was not until later that he was exposed. My point is, it is hard to place judgement on anybody for their views on Hitler during this time. As for Pius XII’s actions during the war, they are public knowledge. And they speak for themselves. By the way, most of the world considered Pius XII a hero until the 90’s when “Hitler’s Pope” was published and somehow became common belief (fueled by anti-Catholicism). Time Magazine and the New-York Times both praised Pius for fighting totalitarianism and anti-semitism. Pinchas Lapide, an Israeli diplomat, credited Pius with saving hundred’s of thousands of lives. Dr. Leon Kubowitzky, general secretary of the World Jewish Council honored the Pope. Not to mention that the Nazi party hated him and ran propaganda pieces against him.

Pope Pius XII will be formally canonized by the Church.
 
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