Speakers at the launch in Sydney yesterday of a new scholarly study of controversial wartime Pope, Pius XII, have urged caution in any haste to canonize.

by Brian Coyne

The general tone of the three principal addresses at the launch of Dr Paul O'Shea's new scholarly study of Pope Pius XII urged a sense of caution in the urgency in some sectors of the Catholic Church to canonize the controversial wartime pope. While acknowledging Eugenio Pacelli's sincerity and "holiness" the speakers urged caution on two principal grounds — one being that not all the evidence is yet available to scholars. The other ground for caution is that despite the man's good intentions and sincerity the evidence mounts that he did make significant errors of political judgment in responding to the Nazi threat against the Jewish people. His lack of action, or lack of courage in speaking up, made the situation worse for the Jewish people.

Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence, Chief Minister of the Great Synagogue in Sydney, who launched the book, also commented poignantly on the responsibilities attendant on religious leaders to actually lead.

Religious affairs journalist, Stephen Crittenden, delivered an engaging address providing background information to the era of Pope Pius XII.

Image & Video Credits: Brian Coyne, Vias Tuas Communications..

[Index of News Stories]