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The role of Pope Pius XII, both before and during World War II, is now highly controversial, and can be a source of disagreement-- even bitterness-- between Christians and Jews. Many believe that Pius was complicit in the criminal actions of the Nazi regime, and that he didn't do nearly enough to speak out. Others point to the numerous lives that were saved through Vatican efforts, and the accolades the Pope received from prominent Jewish leaders as well as secular sources like the New York Times. The truth about the man-- and let us remember that that is what he was-- probably lies somewhere in the middle. Is it conceivable, in hindsight, that he could have done more, or done some things differently, and thus had more of an impact in the effort to save lives? Quite possibly. Is it conceivable that, as we rewrite and revise history in an attempt to find causes and assign accountability, we have judged too harshly a man who, to use the words of Golda Meir, was "a great servant of peace"? Quite possibly.
Since the overwhelmingly current trend is to portray Pope Pius XII in a negative light, and unfavorable evaluations of his role are more than readily available, I will, in an effort to balance the view, focus on the positive aspects of the Pope's role in this troubled and dangerous time. |
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