www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Church News NYTimes book review redux vs. Pope Pius XII

Which New York Times to believe, that of WWII years which spotlighted Pope Pius XII as the lone voice in the wilderness decrying Nazi atrocities or the New York Times of recent years which charges him with silence? \'The Battle for Rome\': Open City [nytimes.com] (Registration required but free (can read article for up to seven days, I believe, for free).)

Anyway, here's a great link by a doctor of ecclesiastical history which refutes the charges: [i]PIUS XII AND THE JEWS: The War Years, as reported by the "New York Times"[/i] [catholicleague.org]

This appears to be the latest reply of what has accurately been termed "The Deputy Myth" - the attack on Pius XII and his alleged unconcern for the Jews goes back to a play called *The Deputy*. It has no basis in fact, but anti-Catholic bigots are seldom deterred by a lack of facts.
Incognitus

Dear Irenaeus (of Lyons? ),

A great read is Pinchas Lapide's book "The Last Three Popes and the Jews" where this man, later an Orthodox Rabbi, shows how Pius XII saved 840,000 Jews.

My father was himself a member of Caritas during the war and helped save Jews under the patronage of Pius XII.

He was sworn to secrecy for 25 years after the end of the war and only discussed his involvement not too long before his death.

Alex

The topic of Pius XII greatly interests me, and I also recommend Lapide's book. It appeared in 1967 and remains one of the best books on the subject of Pius XII.

Ronald Rychlak has written "Hitler, the War, and the Pope" and I very strongly recommend this work. Published in 2000, it contains a spirited and very well-documented defense of Pius XII, as well as a refutation of John Cornwell's criticism of Pius XII.

Rabbi David Dalin has written at length about Pius XII in several articles the Weekly Standard. He will soon publish a book on Pius XII and John Paul II.

As far as the New York Times is concerned, its staff seems determined to ignore the newspaper's own history. That it repeatedly forgets (or chooses not to notice) its own warime words about Pius XII, shows that the New York Times simply wants to grind an axe.

Is there anywhere, a scholarly assessment of Pius XII and the Holocaust that is neither a (defensive) defense or a hatchet-job on the Pope? Something that takes the positive elements of his papacy along with not hiding the negative aspects and failures?

Hi Brian,

I think this link (one which I supplied in the post beginning this thread) is a good start, employing a methodology which could easily be replicated: [i]PIUS XII AND THE JEWS: The War Years, as reported by the "New York Times"[/i] [catholicleague.org]

Irenaeus

If you are looking for a non-defensive defense of Pius XII, look for Justus Lawlor's "Popes and Politics."

He's no conservative, but he is a good historian. He points out with great glee the numerous blunders of Carroll and Wills, errors so numerous that they must be intentional.

thank you SO much for your suggestions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Popes and Politics book sounds very intriguing.

Brian,

I have thought about your question, and I recommend the articles by Rabbi David Dalin. He has weighed and considered the matter for many years, and thinks of arguments for and against Pius XII.

In addition, Lapide's book has two noteworthy sections: "What Pius XII Did" and "What Pius XII Did Not Do".

Of course, the study of Pius XII can keep one occupied for a long time. Just reading his encyclicals will take a long time.

Rest assured, the study of Pius XII is very rewarding. I suspect you have just begun your studies.