During the German occupation of Rome from 1942–1944, Irishman Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty ran an escape organization for Allied POWs and civilians, including Jews. Safe within the Vatican state, he regularly ventured out in disguise to continue his mission, which earned him the nickname “the Pimpernel of the Vatican.” When the Allies entered Rome, he and his collaborators— priests, nuns, and … laypeople of numerous nationalities and religious beliefs—had saved the lives of over 6,500 people.
The first new telling of this extraordinary story in decades, this book also addresses the fascinating dichotomy between O’Flaherty and Herbert Kappler, the Gestapo chief in Rome who ordered him killed, and who, after the war, reconciled with the monsignor, and even asked him to perform his baptism.
For his heroic efforts, O’Flaherty was awarded the highest honors, including a Congressional Medal, and was the first Irishman named the Notary of the Holy Office. His story was immortalized in the 1983 film The Scarlet and the Black, which starred Gregory Peck as O’Flaherty.
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True story based on a fascinating, resourceful, compassionate and brave character.
REMARKABLE HERO SAVING THE LIVES OF SO MANY IN WW II IN ROME.
A DIFFERENT VIEW OF VATICAN’A PART IN RESCUE.
This book is about un-sung resistance workers who risked their own lives to save the lives of hundreds of people while Italy was occupied by Germany. It describes how a priest and many confederates went about hiding escaped POW’s and others sought by the German command. There was much information about tactical moves, but I wish more of the …
amazing
It was OK
Overall I enjoyed the book. At times it is like slogging through mud. The organization of the book is poor.
However, all said I learned an interesting story and I think it is a worthy read for anyone interested in the subject matter.
I know a lot about World War II but I hadn’t known about this extraordinary man who saved so many lives during the war. A fascinating man, a fascinating read. Hard to put down.
I found it “a book of facts”, very difficult to read. I gave it up after 50 pages.
A wonderful account of people going above and beyond in times of war. I saw a statue of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty on a corner in Killarney and wanted to know who is was. He was truly an amazing man,
God bless and reward this priest for taking on this formidable task and helping people survive this sad time in history. And so many others whom he asked for assistance, many of whom were caught and died for their efforts. This should be required reading for the younger generation, many of whom don’t believe this was an actual occurrence in …
story of a little known extraordinary man. i will see his statue in Killarney Ireland this month
I enjoyed this book. Very informative about the cruelty of the Nazis.
A different view of the Catholic Church in WW2
I knew of Msgr. O’Flaherty’s work, but didn’t know all the details about other persons involved. This book helped to fill in the background information of this historical event.
A very interesting , inspirational account of Msgr. Hugh O’Flaherty priest, spy and liberator of well more than 6,000 Christians and Jews during WWII. A seemingly shy man, he was anything but shy or reserved. What he was to many was a savior, hiding members of the Allied forces in Rome and relocating many Jews fleeing not only Italy but other …
At first there are so many characters it was hard to keep track but definitely worth pushing through! In a world where we often value ourselves above others this book was so encouraging. The main character and many, many people from different countries worked together to save humanity, even at the risk of losing their own lives. Astounding …
Dull story, flat characters. Couldn’t even finish it.
Best story I’ve read in some time, and it really happened! Thank you for sending it my way.
Choppy
And here, all these years, I thought the Vatican turned a cold back to those so desperately in need of their help. Seems as though a few did not. True heroes.