hidden encyclical of Pius XI, The
Book Description
In the turbulent months before World War II erupted, Pope Pius XI made a remarkable decision that would remain buried for decades. Recognizing the rising tide of racism and anti-Semitism sweeping across Europe, he commissioned an American Jesuit priest to draft a papal encyclical that would boldly condemn these destructive ideologies. The resulting document, titled "The Unity of the Human Race," represented a courageous moral stance during one of history's darkest periods.
Yet this powerful statement never saw the light of day. When Pius XI died in early 1939, his successor chose silence over proclamation, and the encyclical vanished into Vatican archives. For thirty years, its very existence remained disputed among scholars, while its authors maintained their sworn secrecy.
This compelling investigation follows Belgian monk Georges Passelecq and Jewish historian Bernard Suchecky as they navigate Vatican bureaucracy and archival mysteries to uncover this lost document. Their persistent quest reveals not only the text itself but also the complex circumstances surrounding its creation and suppression.
Through meticulous research and unwavering determination, the authors illuminate a pivotal moment when spiritual leadership faced its greatest test. Their work offers profound insights into institutional courage, moral responsibility, and the sometimes painful gap between religious ideals and political realities. This exploration challenges readers to consider how faith communities respond to injustice and what happens when prophetic voices are silenced.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Judaism
📄 Length: 319 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Sources
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Explore Encyclicals, papal
- ✓ Explore Pius XI, Pope, 1857-1939.
- ✓ Explore Papal documents
- ✓ Explore Catholic church, relations, judaism
- ✓ Explore Judaïsme
- ✓ Explore Pius xi, pope, 1857-1939
