VATICAN - Benedict XVI addresses participants in a Symposium promoted by the Pave the Way Foundation: “your symposium offers to the public forum the possibility of knowing more fully what Pius XII achieved for the Jews persecuted by the Nazi and fascist regimes.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On September 18, at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father Benedict XVI met with participants in a Symposium promoted by the Pave the Way Foundation, which has brought together renowned scholars in honor of the 50th anniversary of the death of Servant of God Pius XII (which took place October 9, 1958), in order to reflect on his accomplishments during the difficult time surrounding the Second World War.
“Thanks to the vast quantity of documented material which you have gathered, supported by many authoritative testimonies, your symposium offers to the public forum the possibility of knowing more fully what Pius XII achieved for the Jews persecuted by the Nazi and fascist regimes. One understands, then, that wherever possible he spared no effort in intervening in their favor either directly or through instructions given to other individuals or to institutions of the Catholic Church. In the proceedings of your convention you have also drawn attention to his many interventions, made secretly and silently, precisely because, given the concrete situation of that difficult historical moment, only in this way was it possible to avoid the worst and save the greatest number of Jews.”
The Holy Father also recalled that “much has been written and said” of Pius XII in these past 5 decades since his death, “not all of the genuine facets of his diverse pastoral activity have been examined in a just light.” The aim of the symposium has been “to address some of these deficiencies, conducting a careful and documented examination of many of his interventions, especially those in favor of the Jews who in those years were being targeted all over Europe, in accordance with the criminal plan of those who wanted to eliminate them from the face of the earth. When one draws close to this noble Pope, free from ideological prejudices, in addition to being struck by his lofty spiritual and human character one is also captivated by the example of his life and the extraordinary richness of his teaching. One can also come to appreciate the human wisdom and pastoral intensity which guided him in his long years of ministry, especially in providing organized assistance to the Jewish people.”
In concluding his address, the Holy Father mentioned the recognition that has been shown by the Jewish community and individuals, “who showed their gratitude for what the Pope had done for them” during the war. Benedict XVI then expressed his hope that this year, in which we recall the 50th anniversary of the death of Pope Pius XII, “will provide the opportunity to promote in-depth studies of various aspects of his life and his works in order to come to know the historical truth, overcoming every remaining prejudice.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2008)