The Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler wanted to assassinate the Pope Pius XII in reprisal for the arrest of the Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini in July 1943, informed this Tuesday, 16, the newspaper of the Italian bishops, Avvenire. In an article entitled “July 43, Hitler wanted to eliminate Pius XII,” the publication of the Conference of Bishops of Italy shows a plan organized by the headquarters of the Security of the Reich in Berlin.

The information was passed to the Avvenire by Niki Freytag von Loringhoven, son of one of the key characters of this plan, Colonel Wessel von Freytag Loringhoven. Now with 72 years, told the newspaper that between days 29 and July 30, 1943 in Venice there was a secret meeting between the head of German counter-espionage, Wilhelm Canaris, with his Italian colleague, General Cesare Amei, which the colonel participated.

During the meeting, the Germans – who according to Avvenire have not any “sympathy” with the Nazi regime – Amei informed about the intentions of the Fuehrer to “avenge” the arrest of Mussolini in July 1943 against Vitor Emmanuel III – king or Pope Pius XII.

Back in Rome, the Italian general released a report, which reached the ears of the ambassador of Germany to the Holy See and so the plan was abandoned, says the publication of the bishops. Part of the papacy of Pius XII (1939-1958) passed during the years of Nazism. Many historians accused him of being antissemita and that he has not acted with more force against the regime of Hitler, something always denied by the Vatican.

Via: ZENIT.