STUDIES: Polish Bishops, the Vatican, and the Jews of Poland During the Communist Takeover as Reflected in British Diplomatic Reports Cover Image

STUDIA: Polscy biskupi, Watykan i Żydzi polscy w czasie przejmowania władzy przez komunistów na podstawie brytyjskich raportów dyplomatycznych
STUDIES: Polish Bishops, the Vatican, and the Jews of Poland During the Communist Takeover as Reflected in British Diplomatic Reports

Author(s): Ariech Kochavi
Subject(s): History
Published by: Stowarzyszenie Centrum Badań nad Zagładą Żydów & IFiS PAN
Keywords: Vatican; Pius XII; international policy; World War II

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the policy of Pope Pius XII on the international arena during World War II. Historians have extensively studied and discussed this policy. These problems always arouse many controversies, which are still intense although many years passed after the war’s end and despite the Pope’s death fifty years ago. The author of the article expresses the view that the main motive of the Vatican’s policy during War World II times was neither the anti-Communism of Pius XII or his pro- German views, but most of all – the doctrine of “absolute neutrality” in international relations. It was the key priority for the Vatican. The attitude towards Poland remains a clear example of limitations of this doctrine imposed by practice.

  • Issue Year: 2009
  • Issue No: 5
  • Page Range: 149-162
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: Polish