‘Not Afraid of History’: Vatican to Open Files on Pope Pius XII

“I have assumed this decision after hearing the opinion of my closest collaborators, with a serene and confident mind, sure that serious and objective historical research will be able to evaluate, in the proper light and with appropriate criticism, the praiseworthy moments of the Pontiff and, without any doubt, also moments of serious difficulties, of tormented decisions, of human and Christian prudence,” the pope told officials of the Vatican Secret Archive. To some, these decisions “might have seemed to be reticence,” Francis said, and instead “were attempts, humanly also very hard-fought, to keep the flame of humanitarian initiatives lit during periods of more intense darkness and cruelty, of hidden but active diplomacy, of hope in possible good openings of hearts.” -- More...