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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Writer seemed to be engaged in writing a thesis without regard to its readability. Good only for helping someone fall asleep.
I’m so disgusted with the Catholic Church. Unscrupulous!
Factual, but a little slow.
This book shows just how one man can inspire others to do what is right. At a time of unimaginative indignities this book gives you hope.
I had seen the movie years ago with Gregory Peck as the lead character. Movie was called “The Scarlett and the Black”. The book was excellent. This living Saint was a savior to so many and his own country didm’t even acknowledge his efforts=Shame on them. What a wonderful man.
Great history; wish everyone could read it.
This is a true story which clarified some history of the Vatican during WWII. It’s a true tale of modern heroes and well written.
A challenging read! The math was over my head, but the biological and genetic concepts were fascinating. Brilliant scientists, starting with Darwin, scratched their heads searching for the origins of kindness. “Where did altruism come from: Could it have been borne by the invisible hand of natural selection working direction on genes, on …
A very informative look at the Vatican and the Italian resistance movement.
I read this close to the time I read a book about Mother Teresa. The Irish Monsignor of the Vatican in late WWII and the earlier nun in Calcutta have much in common.: both loved God first, then neighbor, just as God commanded. Both lived a life of service, Teresa to “ the poorest of the poor” and the Vatican Pimpernel ( indigenous flower) to …
It’s inspiring to read of how people risked their own lives to save others during WWII.
This is the true story of an Irish Priest serving in the Vatican during World War II and the German occupation of Rome. He fearlessly set up a network to hide and care for escaped European and American prisoners of war, Jews, British, Irish, and Italians alike, all wanted by the Gestapo. To get caught often meant death to both the protecters and …
Very intriguing story of harrowing events and brave people.
Would have liked some exploration of the connection, if any, between the sheltering of the victims of Nazis during WWE II and aiding of former Nazis after the war.
You’ll find dimensions to WWII that aren’t written about often. Italy in WWII is both overlooked by historians and confusing when it is not overlooked. Who’s side were they on?
This expose’ of an Irish priest in the Vatican and his exploits to save thousands of people from the nazis is informative, and inspiring.
Very interesting.
too slow
Amazing story about people who put their life on the line to help others.
Had no idea about this part of WWII. Excellent book and well written.
What a man.
No thought for himself, just how he could help others