Publisher: William
Morrow
Publication Date: March 19, 2013
Publication Date: March 19, 2013
Summary: Peter Eisner, award-winning reporter and author of the critically
acclaimed The Freedom Line, combines shocking new evidence (released only
recently from Vatican archives) and eyewitness testimony to create a compelling
journey into the heart of the Vatican and a little-known story of an American's
partnership with the head of the Catholic Church. A truly essential work, it
brings staggering new light to one of the most critical junctures in modern
history.
Review: The year was 1938. Hitler was in complete power, leading Nazi Germany on
a campaign through Europe, to spread his views. In the Vatican, Pope Pius XI,
who was slowly declining into failing health, sought the assistance of an
American Jesuit Priest, John LaFarge. LaFarge was a scholar, whose
expertise on racial injustices perfectly fit into the Church's views on the
situation. His goal was to publicly denounce the Nazism and anti-Semitism
that he feared would destroy the teachings of the church. Coming from the Pope,
the highest leader of the Catholic Church, this condemnation of Hitler could
potentially impact the views of other world leaders, and in turn, World War II
itself.
Of course, this process was easier said than
done. Pius XI found himself in the midst of an Italian government that seemed
to be, whether out of fear or agreement, embracing Hitler's Germany. They even
invited the leader to visit their country. Pius XI would have nothing to do
with the fanfare of Hitler's arrival. Instead, he retreated to a private
Vatican estate, outside of the city, in a quiet protest. Met by resistance from
even members of his own church who would rather keep peace with Hitler than
provoke him with a damning proclamation, Pius XI stuck to his guns, to denounce
what he knew was wrong.
I've always been fascinated by the many pieces
to the giant puzzle that is World War II. This time in our history seems to
show the best and worst aspects of our world, and I think there are many things
to be learned. I was unfamiliar with the story of Pope Pius XI, but with all of
the recent actions taking place in the Vatican, it seemed like a good
time to delve deeper into the church's history. I was immediately drawn to
Pius's unassuming, humble ways. He really comes off as a kind of quiet force.
This book gives interesting insights into the mysterious protocols and
inevitable politics of the Vatican. Despite its rather brief length, the book
is detailed, suspenseful account of this Pope's history making actions.
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