So, what do you think, Homer?
Enough to stir up the hornet's nest?
That could do it.
I remind readers that this article was written by Herbert L. Matthews, who is unlikely to sympathize with any "crusade against bolshevism," as he calls it in the article. Also please note that much of what he wrote is conjecture based on second-hand reports. As in "It was understood in Vatican circles that the crux of the President's letter . . ." "There appear to be three main points in the Pope's answer." "In Vatican circles, according to what the writer has learned, it is being said . . ."
And by the way, why is Roosevelt asking the Pope to rule on a war in which the United States isn't even (officially) a belligerent?
Beyond that, I am not knowledgable enough on Pius XII, just war doctrine or the Vatican's international relations to mount an authoritative defense of Pius' position in this matter, other than to say he is unquestionably correct in whatever he actually did say.
From the article:
“..........The Pope’s reply has been studied for five days and during that time there has been much talk about it in high Vatican circles.”
That is quite some letter to study for 5 days.
“Roosevelt’s promise that he would try to sway the Moscow governments policy toward religious freedom.”
This is why he contacted the Pope but who did he make the promise to?