Free Republic

Five days ago, we reported that Pope John Paul II was 10 minutes from death the night he was hospitalized (February 1). Now, in the very different context of an 84-year-old Pope on the mend, we consider one of the most controversial issues he will have to face in the months ahead, and reveal that he himself has already, according to our sources, made up his mind on the matter. Our sources tell us they believe that John Paul II, barring an unexpected crisis of the type which just occurred, will live for some time yet (one source suggested the...

In her new book, “Crusade of Charity: Pius XII and POWs (1939-1945),” Sister Margherita Marchione sets out to correct what she calls “the big lie” that Pope Pius XII did not speak up against Nazi religious policies and did nothing to help save the lives of thousands of European Jews.  She presents overwhelming evidence that not only did he speak out against the Nazis, but also coordinated an international effort to intervene on behalf of Jews and — even more daunting — made the Vatican Information Office the hub of a communications and relief network that connected prisoners of war,...