This online independent study course will focus on the true record of Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust and will refute the claims that he was anti-Semitic, that he somehow supported the cause of Adolf Hitler, and that he was silent throughout the Holocaust. Students who complete this course should be able to discuss the true career of Eugenio Pacelli (the future Pius XII) as a Vatican diplomat and Cardinal, his efforts to fight against Nazism, his real record once elected pope to protect Jews during the Holocaust, and the false claims made about his supposed indifference in the face of Nazi genocide. Finally, students will be able to describe the connections that exist between the attacks on Pope Pius XII and those who want to see the Church silenced in the public sphere.
Pius XII: In Defense of Truth
This online independent study course will focus on the true record of Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust and will refute the claims that he was anti-Semitic, that he somehow supported the cause of Adolf Hitler, and that he was silent throughout the Holocaust. Students who complete this course should be able to discuss the true career of Eugenio Pacelli (the future Pius XII) as a Vatican diplomat and Cardinal, his efforts to fight against Nazism, his real record once elected pope to protect Jews during the Holocaust, and the false claims made about his supposed indifference in the face of Nazi genocide. Finally, students will be able to describe the connections that exist between the attacks on Pope Pius XII and those who want to see the Church silenced in the public sphere.