The following is a snapshot of the papacies of the 11 popes that preceded Pope Francis, from Pope Benedict XVI to Blessed Pope Pius IX.
The modern popes: Get to know the 11 popes before Francis
Vatican makes archives detailing aid to Jews available online
The documentation, titled “Ebrei” (“Jews”), aims “to preserve the petitions for help from Jewish people all over Europe, received by (Pope Pius XII) during the Nazi-Fascist persecutions,” the Vatican said.
Corrected history: Authors debunk myths tied to church controversies
The Inquisition, the Crusades, the trial of the Knights Templar, the condemnation of Galileo Galilei and the role of Pope Pius XII during World War II are just a few “hot” historical events in the life of the church that can still today ignite controversy and fiery debate.
Open source: Vatican wartime archives ready for new batch of scholars
After decades of anticipation, the Vatican archives are ready to welcome, starting March 2, scores of scholars wishing to study documents related to the wartime pontificate of Pope Pius XII.
Open source: Vatican wartime archives ready for new batch of scholars
Starting March 2, the Vatican is opening its archives on the World War II pontificate of Pope Pius XII.
Film examines whether papal message could have saved Europe’s Jews
The documentary, “Holy Silence,” examines whether Jewish lives would have been saved had Pope Pius XI or his successor, Pope Pius XII, issued a statement urging the protection of Jews in Axis-held Europe.
U.S. cardinal welcomes opening of Vatican documents on Pope Pius XII
New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan March 12 praised Pope Francis’ recent announcement regarding the opening of the Vatican Secret Archives from the wartime pontificate of Pope Pius XII.
U.S. Jewish groups react to Vatican decision to release Pius XII archives
Documents on Pope Pius XII in the Vatican Secret Archives will be made available to researchers starting March 2, 2020.