Beyond the Archives: How New Evidence is Changing What We Know About the Pope at War

What the Latest Vatican Documents Reveal—and Why the Debate Isn’t Over

For decades, the Vatican’s wartime archives were sealed, fueling speculation and controversy. With their opening, historians like David Kertzer have uncovered a wealth of new evidence that complicates—and sometimes overturns—previous assumptions. 'The Pope at War' draws on thousands of documents: secret telegrams, personal letters, and internal memos that shed light on the Vatican’s actions during WWII.

The new evidence reveals both heroism and hesitation. There are stories of priests and nuns risking everything to save Jews, but also records of calculated decisions to prioritize the church’s survival. The archives show how internal debates shaped every move, and how the pope’s cautious approach was both a shield and a source of regret.

The blog examines how these discoveries have reignited debates over Pius XII’s sainthood, the church’s responsibility during times of atrocity, and the meaning of moral leadership. Jewish-Catholic relations, too, have been shaped by these revelations, with recent popes seeking reconciliation and understanding.

Ultimately, the blog argues that history is not static. As new evidence comes to light, our understanding evolves—and so does our capacity for empathy, judgment, and healing.