Files On ‘Hitler’s Pope’ To Be Examined By Pope Francis [Report]

Questions about “Hitler’s Pope” could soon be answered if Pope Francis opens the Vatican archives.

According to Rabbi Abraham Skorka, who has known Pope Francis for decades, the Vatican may soon be examining the files regarding Pius XII.

Skorka said that he has talked to Pope Francis at length about Pius XII and his possible role under the fascist regime.

Questions about Pius XII, known by some as Hitler’s pope, have gone unanswered since the 1940s. Skorka hopes that Pope Francis will be able to shed some light onto the controversial figure.

Skorka said: “It’s a terribly sensitive issue, but he says that it must be investigated thoroughly …I have no doubt that he will move to open the archives.”

Pius XII became pope in 1939 and stayed in the position until his death in 1958. The Vatican has refused to open the files on Pius XII which has led many to believe that “Hitler’s Pope” cooperated with the Nazis.

According to the Telegraph, there is also proof that Pius XII, known as Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli before he became pope, helped more than 200,000 Jews get out of Germany.

Before he died, Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree praising Pius’s “heroic virtues,” moving him one step closer to sainthood. Several religious scholars, like Rabbi Skorka, have objected to making Pius XII a saint until his wartime role is more clearly defined. Which is something that Skorka says can only happen if the Vatican opens up its archives.

Do you think Pope Francis will allow scholars to examine the files on Pope XII.