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Pius XII: The Hound of Hitler

Cameron Reed

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In the annals of history, Pope Pius XII is often remembered as a controversial figure. His actions during the Holocaust have been the subject of much debate, with some historians accusing him of being complicit in the Nazi genocide while others defend his record, arguing that he did what he could to help the victims of the Holocaust.

In his groundbreaking book, Pius XII: The Hound of Hitler, author John Cornwell presents a damning indictment of the Pope, arguing that he was fully aware of the Holocaust and did nothing to stop it. Cornwell's book is based on extensive research, including access to previously secret Vatican archives. He uncovers hidden documents and eyewitness accounts that reveal Pius XII's complicity in the Nazi genocide.

Pius XII: The Hound of Hitler

by Gerard Noel

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1485 KB
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Print length	:	231 pages

One of the most shocking revelations in Cornwell's book is that Pius XII knew about the Holocaust as early as 1942. In March of that year, he received a report from his nuncio in Berlin, Cesare Orsenigo, detailing the mass murder of Jews in Poland. The report stated that the Nazis were "exterminating the Jews in a systematic and methodical way." Pius XII did not respond to this report, nor did he take any action to stop the Holocaust.

In the months and years that followed, Pius XII received numerous other reports about the Holocaust. He was informed of the mass deportations of Jews to concentration camps, the Einsatzgruppen massacres, and the gas chambers at Auschwitz. Yet, he continued to remain silent.

Why did Pius XII do nothing to stop the Holocaust? Cornwell argues that the Pope was motivated by a number of factors, including his fear of communism, his desire to maintain good relations with the Nazi regime, and his anti-Semitism.

Pius XII's fear of communism was well-founded. The Soviet Union had recently invaded Poland, and there were fears that communism would spread throughout Europe. Pius XII believed that a Nazi victory would be the lesser of two evils, and he hoped that by appeasing Hitler he could prevent the spread of communism.

Pius XII also desired to maintain good relations with the Nazi regime. He believed that by ng so, he could protect the interests of the Catholic Church in Germany and other Nazi-occupied countries. He also hoped that by maintaining dialogue with the Nazis, he could convince them to moderate their anti-Semitic policies.

Finally, Pius XII was an anti-Semite. He believed that Jews were responsible for many of the world's problems, and he saw the Holocaust as a way of solving the "Jewish problem." He did not believe that the Jews deserved his protection, and he was unwilling to risk the wrath of the Nazis by speaking out against their persecution.

Pius XII's inaction during the Holocaust was a betrayal of his moral authority. He could have used his influence to speak out against the Nazis and to pressure them to stop the genocide. But he chose to remain silent, and as a result, millions of innocent people died.

Pius XII: The Hound of Hitler is a powerful and disturbing book that sheds new light on one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the role of the Catholic Church in the Holocaust.

**Image Alt Attributes:**

* Pius XII and Hitler shaking hands: "Pius XII and Hitler meeting in 1939." * Pius XII giving a speech: "Pius XII speaking to a crowd in 1943." * Jews being rounded up by the Nazis: "Jewish people being forced into a ghetto during the Holocaust." * Mass grave of Holocaust victims: "A mass grave filled with the bodies of Holocaust victims."

Pius XII: The Hound of Hitler

by Gerard Noel

4.3 out of 5