[RobbyS]

Try common sense, Probably Pius XI—if he had lived—would have more strongly attacked Hitler’s policy, because that is the way he did things. Then again he may have not. When one’s first obligation is to one’s own, any measures that would have led to the actual destruction of the Church is not to be expected. Eisenhower did not send troops into Hungary in 1956, because the obvious consequence would have been a European war. The pope did not “stand up” to Hitler because (1) He knew Hitler and (2) he knew Stalin. (3) He knew the limits of Anglo-Saxon Power.

[OLD REGGIE]

Try common sense, Probably Pius XI—if he had lived—would have more strongly attacked Hitler’s policy, because that is the way he did things. Then again he may have not. When one’s first obligation is to one’s own, any measures that would have led to the actual destruction of the Church is not to be expected. Eisenhower did not send troops into Hungary in 1956, because the obvious consequence would have been a European war. The pope did not “stand up” to Hitler because (1) He knew Hitler and (2) he knew Stalin. (3) He knew the limits of Anglo-Saxon Power.

Are you among those who believe the RCC could have done nothing differently in their handling of Germany before and during the rise to power of Hitler?

The RCC can make no mistakes? All actions of Pius XII was perfect prior to, during, and after WWII?

Please try to limit your discussion to the topic; Pacelli/Pius XII.

[blue-duncan]

“When one’s first obligation is to one’s own, any measures that would have led to the actual destruction of the Church is not to be expected.”

That has got to be the most incredible statement from any one here on the FR Religion forum. First, as the claimed “Vicar” of Christ his first obligation is to Christ and His gospel. Second, what happened to “on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”? Did the Pope know more than Jesus did or does or did his faith in God’s sovereignty only go as far as his courage?

[Dr. Eckleburg]

The pope did not "stand up" to Hitler because (1) He knew Hitler

Yes, and from the looks of it, they were pretty darn close.