Pope Pius XII and the Holocaust

How should Vatican policies during World War II be understood? Specifically, could Pope Pius XII have curbed the Holocaust by vigorously condemning the Nazi killing of Jews? In Pope Pius XII and the Holocanst, well-informed scholars -- including Michael Marrus, Michael Phayer, Richard L. Rubenstein and Susan Zuccotti -- wrestle with such questions. Their analysis emphasizes that Pope Pius XII must be understood in his particular historical context. Without condoning or endorsing policies or pronouncements that may well have been problematic, this book shows that it is possible and important to understand why Pius XII acted as he did. Book jacket.

Carol Rittner, R.S.M., a Sister of Mercy, is Distinguished Professor of Holocaust Studies at The Richard Stockton College, New Jersey John K. Roth is the Russell K. Pitzer Professor of Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College, California