Language:
English
Year of publication:
2002
Titel der Quelle:
European Judaism
Angaben zur Quelle:
35,2 (2002) 131-145
Keywords:
Pius
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Catholic Church
;
Church history 20th century
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Abstract:
A paper delivered at the Theology Department of the University of Cambridge, January 2002. Proposes neither to defend every aspect of Pius XII's life and activities, nor to view him as a demonic figure imbued with hatred toward the Jews. Pius XII, like other popes, was a product of his times. His tragic mistakes resulted from his following Church doctrine. Pre-Vatican II theology viewed Jews as enemies of Christianity, and their emancipation in the 19th century as a historical error. Enmity toward the Jews became stronger in the Church in the early 20th century, as it did outside the Church. The Church was unable to radically change its doctrines and revise its politics. Pius XII attempted to preserve an authentic religious Church identity in a time of crisis, and this led him to make some unpermissible compromises.
DOI:
10.3167/001430002782266360
URL:
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