Synopses & Reviews
The papacy of Pius XII (1939-1958) has been a source of near-constant debate and criticism since his death over half a century ago. Powerful myths have arisen around him, and central to them is the dispute surrounding his alleged silence during the years of the Holocaust. In this groundbreaking work, historian Paul OShea examines the papacy as well as the little-studied pre-papal life of Eugenio Pacelli in order to illuminate his policies, actions, and statements during the war. Drawing carefully and comprehensively on the historical record, OShea convincingly demonstrates that Pius was neither an anti-Semitic villain nor a “lamb without stain.” Ultimately, Piuss legacy reveals the moral crisis within many parts of the fractured Christian Commonwealth as well as the personal culpability of Pacelli, the man and pope.
Review
“A Cross Too Heavy, the thoughtful work of the Australian historian Paul OShea, provides insight and understanding that might otherwise be lost in the maelstrom of anger still generated by Pius refusal to issue a clear and unambiguous condemnation of the Nazi campaign of genocide against European Jewry. OSheas well-researched and economically written account sheds light not only on the complicated man who became the leader of the worlds largest religious body, but the highly complicated and contentious times in which he assumed that leadership. As Jews demand more information on those troubled times and fateful decisions—and as the Roman Catholic Church ponders whether Pius is worthy of sainthood—A Cross Too Heavy is timely, relevant and fascinating.”—Intermountain Jewish News“A Cross Too Heavy is an indispensable addition in the continuing debate over what Pope Pius XII did, and did not do, to help save Jews during the Holocaust. OSheas meticulous and balanced scholarship places the limited available evidence in much needed perspective. His discerning analysis and conclusions about Piuss tragic flaws make it clear that the Vatican must release all relevant World War II secret archives now—for the sake of Holocaust survivors and their families, and for the sake of historical truth.”—Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, Anti-Defamation League
“OSheas volume is a fine, balanced summary of what we presently know about Pius XIIs actions with respect to the Jewish people during the Nazi era. It is particularly valuable for its setting of the discussion regarding Pius XII in the wider context of the dynamics within institutional Catholicism during that period. No credible examination of the papal record can exclude its detailed evidence.”—John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, PhD and Director, Catholic-Jewish Studies Program, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
“This book offers a new analysis and understanding of the role played by Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust. OShea gives a careful and detailed overview of the biographical, historical and theological framework for the Vaticans response to National Socialism and the persecution and murder of Europes Jews. Avoiding polemic, OShea goes to the heart of the issues and controversies that surrounded Eugenio Pacelli. The result is a fascinating and complex portrait of Pope Pius XII and the decisions he made. This book is a significant contribution to the historiography of the Holocaust and an invaluable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of the churches during that event.”—Victoria J. Barnett, General Editor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, English Edition and author of Bystanders: Conscience and Complicity during the Holocaust
“OShea gives us a fresh look at Pius XII and at the current debate over the popes behavior during the Holocaust. With a keen eye to context—the context of the Church and its history; the context of Europe during the war years; the context of debates over authority and institutional religion since the 1950s—OShea renders a bold verdict on Pius XII. Among the many books about the pontiff that have been published in the past fifteen years, OSheas work shines bright for its unflinching scholarship and judgments. Laying bare Pius XIIs logic and the basic moral flaws of his reasoning, OSheas work is as intrepid as it is troubling.”—Debórah Dwork, Rose Professor of Holocaust History and Director, Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Clark University
Synopsis
The papacy of Pius XII (1939-1958) has been a source of near-constant criticism and debate since his death, particularly because of his alleged silence during the Holocaust. Paul O'Shea examines his little-studied pre-papal life to demonstrate that Pius was neither an anti-Semitic villain nor a 'lamb without stain.'
About the Author
Paul OShea is an Australian historian and educator whose research has focused on Pope Pius XII and Catholic responses to the Holocaust. His PhD in this area was completed at Macquarie University, Sydney. A founding member of the Australian Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, he lives in Sydney and is currently Dean of Mission at Rosebank College, Sydney.
Table of Contents
Problems with Pacelli * Contempt as Virtue * Et in unum ecclesiam * Eugenio Pacelli 1876 - 1917 * When Worlds Collide * His Masters Voice * Cardinal Pacelli, Jews and Germany * Habemus papam * Blessed Eugenio?