Does the Pope accept Hitler's claim that the Nazis are fighting in defence of Christianity? The question arises out of an address which His Holiness delivered at a "Public audience attended by 3,000 people fncluding some Italian soldiers and the answer Appears to be in the affirmative. The Holy Father declared that many soldiers were dying fighting for Christianity. But it is a matter of fact that Christianity has not been attacked in this war, save, perhaps, by the German nation the governors of which are enemies of Christianity. If Hitler poses a defender of the faith it needs to be remembered that it was not Russia which attacked Germany but vice versa, and. it does not matter how much the Pope may think differently. the German attack on Russia was inspired by no holy motives but merely a desire for the rich resources of the Ukraine and the Caucasus. Loot, not faith, is the inspiration of the German adventure against the Soviet and His Holiness renders A disservice to the whole of democracy by kis oblique commendation of the German cause. the Roman Catholic Church may be seen from How great a friend of Christianity and the following footnote on page 147 of the English translation of "Mein Kampf":
Hitlers private views of the religion ate We possess authentic records of Chan: tion. One of these may be cited in vai especially in Bavaria. that its fomenter were Hitler said concerning Catholic opposition.
their time, They might as well That is what Hitler thinks Catholic Church. id do Church. That is what
your Ma what justice, for law, for freedom, who are resisting attempts to enslave them. That and that alone is the issue. Christianity was never invoked until Hitler had to devise some excuse or other for his treacherous attack there is some doubt as to his meaning. will indeed satisfy few. It is probable that most people would in times such as, these prefer to see what passes for statesmanship give place to a robust interpretation of religion and vindication of its principles, A healthy condemnation of sin, individual or national, would probably do more good than all the political paltering of an international church. Ts it to be understood for one moment that British Catholics are to accept the idea of Hitler and the Nazis are defending Christianity, and, therefore, hope for.a German victory over the Soviets? The suggestion is absurd though apparently denominationally logical. Hitler is the enemy of Christianity as he always has been and not all the gentle words of even the highest placed can elevate to Christian martyrdom those who fight for the terrestrial ambitions of a group of unscrupulous men.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.