A book by a German historian Michael Hesemann, “The Pope who Defied Hitler. The Truth about Pius XII”, has been published recently in Poland by a publishing house from Cracow, Salwator.

The author denies the commonly known theory that Pope Pius XII was Hitler’s ally. On the basis of the latest research and historical documents found in the secular and church archives, he tries to overturn this theory. He follows the life of Eugenio Pacelli, starting with his family, through his cleric career, his links with the National Socialist German Workers' Party and Hitler, and his activities when serving the Holy See.

The writer also answers the question why the Pope did not oppose openly the crimes of the Third Reich. He also presents new facts indicating that Pius XII was deeply involved in rescuing Jews, although he never said anything to condemn the Holocaust. In Hesemann's opinion, Pius XII contributed to saving as many as 700–850 thousand of European Jews. In this context author expresses his belief that, citing Rabbi David Dalin, “the time has come for Pius XII to be granted the title of the Righteous Among the Nations”.