Study Days on Pius XII at Yad VaShem

The study days were organized as part of the ongoing dialogue between the Holy See and Yad VaShem with regard to the figure of Pope Pius XII, the Pope during the wartime years. Dr. Avner Shalev, director of Yad VaShem opened the two day session expressing hope that the study and the ongoing dialogue would reach conclusions that could be shared by both sides.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Israel, Mgr. Antonio Franco, said in his opening address, that what has been essential in the ongoing dialogue has been the establishment of an atmosphere of trust. Where there are no hidden agendas but rather an atmosphere of trust, the truth can be searched for together. Directing his words at the media, the Nuncio pointed out that this was not a confrontation but a dialogue and that this constitutes a further stage in our relationship, essential to building a world and a future together which would render impossible the horrors of the past.

According to the Nuncio, the recent sad events that took place in a series of misunderstandings between the Church and the Jewish people have finally resulted a realization that one cannot be Catholic and deny the Shoah. In fact, the Nuncio concluded, Yad VaShem and the Vatican must work hand in hand to reach a common understanding based on the values that Catholics and Jews share.

Both Shalev and Franco made reference to the previous visit of Pope John Paul II to Yad VaShem and the prospect of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in May.

The vast range of subjects covered in the discussions that followed made for lively exchange as the scholars from Italy, France, Germany, the USA, Australia and Israel debated the issues.

In the restricted audience a few members of the kehilla were present.

View a short video clip in Italian on the study days: View and listen