Dan Snow's History Hit How the Nazis Escaped Germany
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Jun 8, 2025 Philippe Sands, a British-French lawyer and author, dives into the dark world of Nazi escapes after World War II. He highlights the notorious 'ratlines'—escape routes facilitated by the Catholic Church that led war criminals to South America. Through the chilling story of SS officer Walter Rauff, Sands reveals how these figures evaded justice and later re-emerged in regimes like Pinochet’s Chile. The conversation also probes the moral complexities of seeking justice for atrocities and the ongoing legacy of these historical connections.
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Catholic Church Aided Nazi Escape
- Following Nazi Germany's defeat, many war criminals fled Europe using organized escape routes called ratlines.
- Senior Catholic Church figures, especially in Rome, assisted Nazis in escaping to South America.
Divided Catholic Church Role
- The Catholic Church was divided post-WWII; some clergy abhorred Nazis, others helped them escape.
- Alois Hudal, an Austrian bishop, organized ratlines in Rome to aid Nazi fugitives.
All Roads Lead to Italy
- Most Nazi escape routes led through Italy, especially Rome and Genoa, for transport to South America.
- High-ranking Nazis like Eichmann and Mengele all used these ratlines linked to some Catholic officials.
