David I Kertzer

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1) The pope at war: the secret history of Pius XII, Mussolini, and Hitler

Author

Kertzer, David I., 1948-

Description

"When Pope Pius XII died in 1958, his papers were sealed in the Vatican Secret Archives, leaving unanswered questions about what he knew and did during World War II. Those questions have only grown and festered, making Pius XII one of the most controversial popes in Church history, especially now as the Vatican prepares to canonize him. In 2020, Pius XII's archives were finally opened, and David I. Kertzer--widely recognized as one of the world's...

2) The Pope and Mussolini: the secret history of Pius XI and the rise of Fascism in Europe

Author

Kertzer, David I., 1948-

Description

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Analyzes the relationship between Pius XI and the notorious Italian dictator, tracing how after coming into power in the same year they forged covert ties to one another to consolidate power and pursue political goals.

3) The pope who would be king: the exile of Pius IX and the emergence of modern Europe

Author

Kertzer, David I., 1948-

Description

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Documents the story of the violent revolution that signaled the end of the political power of the popes and resulted in the emergence of modern Europe. Days after his prime minister was assassinated in the middle of Rome in November 1848, Pope Pius IX found himself a virtual prisoner in his own palace. Only two years earlier Pius's election had triggered a wave of optimism across Italy: he was seen as a youthful, benevolent new pope who would at...