A Special Mission: Hitler's Secret Plot to Seize the Vatican and Kidnap Pope Pius XII

In this book Dan Kurzman tells the story of WWII from the perspective of the Nazi hierarchy with an emphasis on General Karl Wolff and Himmler. It is illuminating to see the Reich from inside the power structure and to see how the plot to kidnap the Pope and loot the Vatican played out against the personal and political motivations of the men in the know. Also, Kurzman refrains from turning the book into an attack or defense of Pius XII. In chapter 13 and his epilogue he examines the debate as it is at this time. He does a good job of presenting both sides, but it does not seek to, as far as I could estimate, give an apology for the pope. It seems, actually, that he sympathizes more with those who criticize him (in the epilogue), but the way he writes it all, one can see he has a critical sympathy and presents both sides well. I must say the endnotes are as impressive as the bibliography. And with an index to boot, this book is really quite good. This seems to add new knowledge into the discussion and with good scholarship. Excellent work!

Kurzman has done excellent work in this very well balanced history of Pope Pius and the Nazi threat in WWII. There are no excuses made or whitewash of what the Vatican did and did not do during the war but this book aids in having a better understanding of the situation, time, and place. It also offers some enlightenment into the thinking of the pope and the objectives of the Vatican. Very worthwhile to anyone interested in these issues and most certainly essential reading for anyone who has read "Hitler's Pope." It is clear from what Kurzman writes that Pius was not a supporter of Hitler and his policies. The complications, danger, and moral struggle of a basically good man of faith challenged by impossible circumstances in a world gone mad have never been presented in a better way.

It was a most difficult time for the world in general, and for Pius XII in particular. Hitler's ambition threatened to conquer all of Europe and impose a rule of tyranny. The Pope, while he was Secretary of State and before his election to the papacy, was on record as opposing Hitler and his policies, and was hated by the Fuhrer. A Special Mission was ordered by Hitler to Seize the Pope and transport him to northern Italy, and at the same time to eliminate the high officials in the Vatican government. This mission was given to General Karl Wolff, the SS Commandant in Rome. Wolff perceived this action as a detriment to the Nazi cause, thinking that the tide of public opinion would be overwhelmingly against Germany, and even affect the morale and support of the German troops, a large percentage of whom were Catholic. He also came to believe that Germany would not win the war, and that his efforts to abort the kidnap mission could help Germany to obtain honorable terms for surrender, and even an accord with the Allies to oppose Soviet Russia. Accordingly, the General did everything he could to short-circuit the plan, including warning the Pope about the Special Mission, and asking him to refrain from speaking out against Hitler, to avoid capture and the destruction of the Vatican government. Kurzman carefully records the many incidents that took place in this drama, many of them related to the exchanges between General Wolff and the Pope. There are many details that perhaps are not common knowledge, and from an historical perspective are quite interesting. While the intention of the author would seem to be vindication of Pius's role during World War II, the subtle questions he poses seem to me to be barbs inflicted for dereliction of duty - cheap shots. All in all, it is an interesting account of the battle between the Vatican and the Third Reich and is worthwhile reading.

Kurman's work, the research for which was done over the course of almost 30 years, does a great job of showing that Pope Pius XII is not the evil figure portrayed by so many wannabe historians. This book is well-written, thoughtful and touching. If you are a student of history, this is well worth your time.

It's about time that somebody jumped off the bandwagon that blindly shouts that Pius XII didn't do enough about the holocaust, and actually took a look at historical evidence to see if such accusations are warranted. What's been said about Pius XII is a real assasination of character. Bravo for standing up for historical truth for once.