Fresh Air The Battle For The Soul Of The Catholic Church
53 snips
Feb 24, 2025 Philip Shenon, a veteran investigative journalist and author of "Jesus Wept," dives into the tumultuous history of the last seven popes and the Catholic Church's internal battles. He discusses the controversial legacy of Pope Pius XII during WWII and the fallout from his silence amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Shenon highlights the challenges of Vatican reforms, particularly around issues like birth control and sexual morality. He also explores Pope Francis's efforts to navigate the sexual abuse crisis, underscoring the complexities of church leadership and inclusivity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sister Pascalina's Influence
- Sister Pascalina, Pius XII's housekeeper, may have been a highly influential woman in the Catholic Church.
- She reportedly urged Pius XII to condemn the Holocaust and sheltered Jews in Vatican City.
Pius XII's Nazi Ties
- Pope Pius XII, familiar with Germany, remained silent about Nazi crimes despite evidence of awareness.
- Pius allegedly gave Hitler cash to campaign against Marxists before WWII, influencing his wartime silence.
Pius XII's Plea for Mercy
- Pope Pius XII's will, discovered after his death, was surprisingly short, a bleak plea for mercy.
- This fueled debate, with some theorizing he sought forgiveness for his silence on the Holocaust.
