Catholics And The Holocaust

[toledo_jesus]

So I'm having a discussion with my mother about the role the pope played in the Holocaust. I have heard many things about how he did not do everything he could have to stop the slaughter, and that a lot of people think the pope actually supported Hitler.
But, my position is thus: In the heart of Fascist Italy, surrounded by the Axis, what exactly were the options available to Pope Pius XII? Would the Nazis have assassinated him? I find it hard to believe that the answer is as simple as "the Pope just didn't do as much as he could."
I have heard tales of the pope resisting and smuggling Jews to safety. I prefer to believe that the Pope did what he could where he could. Of course, I haven't researched the topic.
What exactly was the nature of John Paul II's apology to the Jewish people?

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
6/9 - St. Ephrem the Syrian

toledo_jesus,

The best thing I can do for you is to relate to you some books for further reference. Any post describing Pope Pius XII's role in World War II would be far too long and convoluted for this forum.

So, here goes:

1.) Pius XII: Architect of Peace (Sr. Margherita Marchione (<-anything by this lady is cool))
2.) Pius XII and the Second World War (I forget the author's name)
3.) Hitler, the Pope and the War (again, I forget the author)

These are the best resources of which I am aware. Also, the movie [i]The Scarlet and the Black[/i] is a wonderful story about a monsignor who, at the Pope's orders, helps hide Jews during World War II (which was heavily based on historical fact).

As for John Paul II's apology to the Jewish people, I am unaware of the details of any such apology. However, it would likely have dealt with atrocities committed against Jews throughout history in the Name of Christ - for which an apology is needed. Since the perpetrators won't apologize, Holy Mother Church apologizes on behalf of them. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono