New York, NY, October 7, 2008 …  On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the death of Pope Pius XII and due to renewed efforts by some to use incomplete historical evidence and testimony as the basis to reach definitive conclusions asserting that he did all he could to save Jews during the Holocaust, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is again calling on the Vatican to fully open its wartime archives.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement: 

The need is greater than ever for the Vatican to fully open its wartime archives. It is essential that the full record of Pope Pius XII's actions and policies towards the Jewish people before, during and after World War II be brought to light.  The full truth concerning the Vatican's actions during the war continues to reside in classified archives. 

 

Any conclusions drawn before these records are made accessible for rigorous research by independent historians would be subject to considerable doubt.    

 

When, in 2002, Pope John Paul II courageously authorized the release of selected Holocaust-related sections of the Secret Vatican Archives, he demonstrated the sensitivity that made him so esteemed by both Jews and Christians worldwide.  If the many questions concerning the Church and the Holy See's actions during that dark period are to be answered, similar courageous action is needed to fully uncover Holocaust-era records.            

 

Today there are those who have renewed efforts to use incomplete historical evidence and testimony to reach definitive conclusions that Pope Pius XII did all he could to save Jews during the Holocaust.  This is a risky and premature undertaking, since many historical facts about the Vatican's actions during the war are still classified.

 

Until the Vatican's secret World War II-era archives are declassified, Pius' record vis-à-vis Jews will continue to be shrouded and a source of controversy and contention. We strongly urge the Vatican to make full and complete access to the archives of this period its highest priority and call on all interested parties to assist.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.