Book review: Understanding Pius XII and the Holocaust

This book on Pope Pius XII, who was pope from 1939 to 1958, focuses on what he did to help Jews and others during World War II.

“Understanding Pius XII and the Holocaust,” is written for young people ages 12-18 studying World War II and the Catholic Church during the war and what it did to help others who were being persecuted by the Nazis and other fascists. The author, Phillip Campbell, is writing from a positive view of Pope Pius and countering those who say that the pope was too silent and did not do much to help the Jews.  

Campbell and other scholars are showing more and more over time that the Communist anti-Catholic lie is not true. This book is an overview of the truths about Pius XII and other Catholics who helped to save as many Jews and others as possible without making things worse. The author shows that the pope knew how to use discreet words and methods and how it was usually successful.  

This shows that Pope Pius XII is worthy to be beatified and canonized by the successor of Pope Francis, who named him Venerable and opened the Vatican Archives for the study of Pope Pius’ actions.

Campbell is the author of many books for young people about Church history and history of the world. This current book has illustrations and bibliographical references. This book is highly recommended to young people, but also to adults looking for a quick summary on this topic. 

Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., Saint Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.

Campbell, Phillip.  
Understanding Pius XII and the Holocaust. 
Grass Lake, Michigan. Cruachan Hill Press, 2024.  25 pages.  
ISBN 9781957206349