To begin with, the Nazi government did achieve initial power legitimately in 1933. At that point, duties to the NSDAP led government were no different than those to to the preceeding government. It was over a period of years and with sometimes little by little steps that ordinary Germans became enmeshed in the regime and the regime became illegitimate. The point at which any individual's duty to the German state was abrogated by the illegitimacy of the states demands and/or orders of an individual's superior is hardly crystal clear, and is probably different for different people in different situations. Having studied this period at great length, I don't think there's much better an answer in brief.
Dear CatoRenasci,
"Duties to the Nazi government is hardly simple, or cut and dried, one answer fits all question."
In the main, I agree.
"To begin with, the Nazi government did achieve initial power legitimately in 1933."
More or less.
"It was over a period of years and with sometimes little by little steps that ordinary Germans became enmeshed in the regime and the regime became illegitimate."
I agree.
"The point at which any individual's duty to the German state was abrogated by the illegitimacy of the states demands and/or orders of an individual's superior is hardly crystal clear, and is probably different for different people in different situations."
In the main, I agree, but with a reservation. Regarding specific Nazi governmental actions, it became pretty clear that obedience could not be given.
Anyway, thank you for making my point.
Although it came to power in a mostly legitimate fashion, at some point, Germans no longer owed a duty to obey at least certain Nazi laws and governmental commands.
That is all that is being said, here. Catholics owe no duty to obey, to enforce intrinsically evil laws. In fact, no one owes such a duty, but Pope Benedict is only trying to give moral guidance to Catholics, in this case.
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