Rome conference to examine Pope Pius XII and the Shoah

A historical conference titled “Pio XII e la Shoah. Quali ‘silenzi’?” will be held in Rome on October 16, 2026, at the Sala Giubileo. Organized by LUMSA University and EDUCatt, the event aims to examine the role of Pope Pius XII (born Eugenio Pacelli) during World War II using archival evidence.

The conference seeks to address historical debates regarding the Pope’s actions during the Holocaust, including the activities of Vatican intelligence, the protection of Jews in Europe, and the actions of pontifical nuncios. The goal is to move beyond ideological narratives by analyzing new archival documents to clarify the historical reality of his pontificate.

Pope Pius XII, who served from 1939 until his death on October 9, 1958, remains a complex figure in contemporary history. His tenure included the signing of the Concordat with Nazi Germany and efforts to assist Jewish refugees, though he faced criticism regarding his public stance during the Holocaust.