The Nazi plot to have Pius XII kidnapped, and possibly killed

Kenneth Hynek • 29th Jun 2009 • Religion, Catholicism, History, Society, War
Avvenire, Benito Mussolini, Berlin, Cesare Ame, Erwin von Lahousen, Italy, Jews, Karl Wolff, L'Osservatore Romano, Niki Freytag von Loringhoven, Pope Pius XII, Rome, SS, the Church, Vatican, Venice, Wessel Freytag von Loringhoven, Wilhelm Canaris

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This is one of those stories that has been circulating — but never verified — for years. It’s not really a surprise to actually learn, but it is nice (all the same) to finally see some actual evidence emerge to coroborate things:

In 1972, former SS General Karl Wolff referred to such a plan in a meeting he said he had with the Pope on May 10, 1944. His story never could be verified.

However, articles in the Italian bishops’ newspaper Avvenire and the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano this week provided more concrete details about a plan the Reichssicherheitsamt (the Reich’s Security Headquarters) hatched in Berlin in 1943.

The reports cite a viable source: the son of one of the key people involved, Niki Freytag von Loringhoven, who is now 72.

According to his account, a secret meeting took place July 29-30, 1943, in Venice to inform the head of Italian counterintelligence, Gen. Cesare Ame, of the Führer’s wish to punish Italians for the arrest of Benito Mussolini by kidnapping or killing Pius XII and the king of Italy.

The plan arrived directly from Berlin, from the head of German counterintelligence, Adm. Wilhelm Canaris and two colonels of Section II (sabotage), Erwin von Lahousen and Wessel Freytag von Loringhoven.

As soon as Ame returned to Rome, the news got out and the plan was shelved, according to the report in Avvenire.

The news is further testament to a well-known fact in church circles: Pius XII was certainly no friends of the Nazis. It follows a growing groundswell of opinion, also among many prominent Jews, that Pius XII not only did all he could to save Jews during World War II but also risked his life to help them.

The way the good pontiff has been vilified in the media, and by various authors, is nothing short of despicable false witness. It’s nice to see that, with the help of some truly impressive historical forensic work, the pope’s good name is being cleared.

Not that we should expect his vindication to deter those with big anti-Catholic chips on their shoulders. But at least the Church will have the truth of the matter on her side.