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A Jewish activist speaks against anti-Semitism on Pius XII weighted

Serge Klarsfeld, an activist against anti-Semitism and Nazi hunter

Here today an interesting interview published on Christmas Eve in the French newspaper Le Point . The subject is topical and burning: the firm that Benedict XVI on December 19 last to the decree of heroic virtues of Servant of God Pius XII, which, for this reason, it becomes creditor the title of Venerable . Is unblocked and the cause of beatification of Eugenio Pacelli, who had been in limbo for more than two years since May 2007 decree was referring expedited for approval by the Pope. It appears, however, that the measure has not gone down well in the Jewish world media, from which critical voices have been raised and disapproving. And that prejudice is anti-Pacelli, fueled by an intense propaganda to discredit and moral disapproval of the Venerable Pius XII today, remains strong, even though nobody has so far failed to prove one of the accusations against the pope and On the contrary, the reliable evidence exists and never denied by those involved in the matter, for not only the innocence of Eugenio Pacelli, but a positive and effective action, through which countless lives were saved (over 800 thousand, if we are to believe the calculations Israeli diplomat Pinchas Lapide).

Despite the press release issued by the RP Lombardi, the Vatican's official spokesman, explaining the scope of the declaration of heroic virtues of the Venerable Pius XII and stating categorically that this is not in any way an act of hostility against the people Jewish, some leaders have not been satisfied and the controversy continues. Fortunately, next of positions out of place (in a case which, after all, concerns only the Catholic Church), has also been considered and reasonable interventions, such as the one reproduced. His courage and authority are the greater in that they are the statements made to a French journalist, a prominent Jewish personality: Serge Klarsfeld, a famous Nazi hunter Beate along with his wife and creator of the Beate Klarsfeld Foundation , which depends Association of Sons and Daughters of Jewish Deportees in France , also founded by the couple. The Klarsfeld involved in the unmasking and subsequent arrest of prominent Nazis who had escaped justice, including war criminals, Alois Brunner, Klaus Barbie and Maurice Papon. Also involved in causes not directly related to the Jewish world, as the prosecution of those responsible for genocide in the Balkan War. Serge Kalrsfeld is also vice president of the Foundation Holocaust Memorial based in France. These credentials make his words are above any suspicion of partiality in favor of the Venerable Pius XII.

Benedict XVI worships his "beloved predecessor" after
papal Mass in the 50 th anniversary of Pius XII (8.X.2008)

Serge Klarsfeld, "There is no reason why Pius XII can not become a saint"

Interview by Ségolène Larquier Gros

The green light given by Benedict XVI to the beatification of Pope Pius XII is prompting numerous protests within Jewish communities. Ratziger Pope's decision, however, "is not shocking at all" for the historian Serge Klarsfeld, the founder of the Association of Sons and Daughters of Jews deported from France.

P. What do you think of the upcoming beatification of Pius XII?

R. is an internal affair of the Church! Almost you could say that this decision leaves me indifferent. There is no reason why Pius XII can not become a saint! There are, however, other things that offended me more: the publication of Céline's anti-Semitic letters in the collection La Pléiade Gallimard. Although Louis-Ferdinand Céline is considered a literary genius, I find it shocking. Moreover, if much is said about Pius XII, why not also set in General de Gaulle? In France it is considered like a saint! Well, during the summer of 1942, after the raid of the Round-Up, General de Gaulle did not raise his voice. But then followed many other raids, carried out only by French military and having been organized by the prefecture. General de Gaulle did not open his mouth or to warn, for example: "Attention staff!: If arrestáis Jews, you will be arrested and brought to justice."

P. What is the trial that he deserves the position of Pius XII during the Second World War?

R. Pius XII was instrumental against Hitler, but also against communism in Eastern Europe. Poland's Karol Wojtyla, the future John Paul II, is the result of Pius XII will launch this resistance movement. The role of Pius XII was, apart from diplomatic, ideological: it was he who wrote the 1937 encyclical condemning Nazism and published by his predecessor.

P. However, he complains that his silence while Pius XII the Shoah took place ...

R. All this is very difficult to assess. Not hide the fact that Pius XII was discreet and effective gestures to help the Jews. Take, for example, what happened in Rome. A few thousand Jews were arrested during a surprise raid. Pius XII did not protest loudly, but ordered the religious establishments open their doors. Result: many thousands of Jews were saved. If the Pope had formally protested, what would have been the consequences? Would it change things for the Jews? Probably not. And their complaints on behalf of Catholics had not been heard, because in Poland were killed two million of them. A public declaration by Pius XII, however, would certainly have enhanced his own reputation in today.

P. There are within the Jewish world who are more virulent than you ...

R. Some how I try to consider what were the historical reality and context of the time. Others, however, do not think for a second to thousands of Catholics killed, but only the rabbis and Jews massacred during the Holocaust. But the Pope is above all the Pope Catholics. Pius XII's priority was to protect Catholics from Nazi and Communist regimes.

P. What do you think, then, you of this controversy?

R. This controversy does not surprise me. It seems normal to the extent that the Vatican archives have been opened in spite of promises. And it's been 60 years since the end of World War II. Should have free access to the files for us to find for ourselves what were the actions and reactions of Pius XII.

ndt: already explained P. Lombardi in more than one occasion that the Vatican archives on Pius XII Ven is to remain closed for an alleged effort to conceal information. Be opened up gradually, though not as quickly as desired because of the immense mass declassification of documents that involves a careful cataloging work that can take years on end. And every good library science and archivist knows that the only way to keep documents is cataloged. In fact there is already a part of the files available to the public which is free to investigate them. Here, however, worth noting that as reported at the time the RP Gumpel, relator of the cause of beatification of Eugenio Pacelli, some students come with preconceived ideas and in conmsecuencia, in order to find incriminating evidence at all costs against the pope. When you spend weeks without having found any excuse is tired and the convenient pretext, false otherwise-that they were withholding information.