Vatican City, Nov 4, 2008 / 13:10 pm
The president of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Science, Archbishop Walter Brandmuller, presented on Monday the exhibit “Pius XII: The Man and His Pontificate.” The exhibit shows the historical truth about Pius XII’s papacy and how he saved thousands of Jews during World War II.
According to the L’Osservatore Romano, the exhibit, which will be on display November 4 through January 6, 2009, at the Vatican, was presented during a press conference by the president of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Science, Archbishop Walter Brandmuller, who said it was created “at the explicit request of Pope Benedict XVI.”
He also explained that the exhibit was “opportune considering that since 1963—with the theatrical release of ‘The Vicar’ (which defamed Pope Pius XII claiming he was close to Hitler) by Rolf Hochhuth—an orchestrated campaign of defamation has been waged against the memory of the Pontiff.”
“The 50th anniversary of the death of Pius XII has motivated the Pontifical Committee to do justice to a great Pope who in life already enjoyed the admiration of contemporaries regardless of their religious convictions,” Archbishop Brandmuller said. “This is not meant to be an apologetic. It’s enough to say that it’s intended to make the historical truth known, to show that the accusations launched against Pope Pacelli cannot claim to be based on serious historical research and that it is increasingly more obvious that they are completely unfounded,” he stated.
“Our hope is that the exhibit can show not only the importance of Pope Pacelli but also the spiritual and especially supernatural dimension of this Roman pontificate,” he added.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA