Podcast Episode 12
Pope Pious XII and Hitler
with Professor Ron Rychlak & host Nick Walters
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This Week in Christian History is dedicated to helping viewers engage with the most significant people, events, controversies, and turning points in the global Christian story. Every episode follows a consistent structure: an introductory interview with host Nick Walters, a Deep Dive with a leading expert on a major historical theme, and several historically verified highlights from the same calendar week. These descriptions do not summarize the audio content of the program; instead, they provide background and historical context so that viewers can understand the importance of the figures and events featured each week.
This episode’s Deep Dive focuses on the relationship between Adolf Hitler and Pope Pius XII, guided by the scholarship of Professor Ron Rychlak of the University of Mississippi School of Law. Professor Rychlak is internationally recognized for his extensive research into the wartime papacy of Pius XII. His work directly challenges the popular claim that Pius XII was sympathetic to the Nazi regime and instead presents documentary evidence showing that Pius XII opposed Hitler, worked diplomatically against Nazi objectives, and contributed to efforts that protected Jewish lives. Viewers who wish to explore Professor Rychlak’s research more deeply can find his acclaimed book “Hitler, the War, and the Pope” available on Amazon.
The Center for Christian History, founded by Nick Walters, seeks to provide reliable, historically grounded insights for churches, students, teachers, and anyone interested in the development of the Christian tradition. By connecting audiences with scholars who dedicate their careers to studying Christian history, the program encourages deeper appreciation of the people and ideas that shaped the faith across centuries.
This week’s highlights begin with April 28, 1801, marking the birth of Lord Shaftesbury. At London’s Piccadilly Circus stands the well-known fountain officially titled “The Angel of Christian Charity,” although many informally call it “Eros.” The memorial honors Shaftesbury’s firm conviction that Christian faith should govern every aspect of life. Serving in Parliament, he invested enormous personal energy and resources into social reform. Shaftesbury championed improvements to child labor laws, fought the exploitation of teenage girls, opposed the opium trade, supported modern sewer systems, and worked to end the dangerous use of boys as chimney sweeps. His life continues to serve as an example of Christian social responsibility expressed in public action.
The second highlight comes from May 2, 373, the death of Athanasius of Alexandria. Athanasius was the first known Christian author to use the term “canon” to describe the definitive list of authoritative books of Scripture. He spent much of his life resisting the teaching of Arius, who argued that Jesus was not fully divine and therefore could not be equal with the Father. This conflict ultimately led to the Council of Nicaea, which addressed the doctrine of the Trinity and reaffirmed the church’s understanding of the full divinity of Christ. Athanasius endured repeated exiles and periods of danger, yet he remained committed to the authority of Scripture and the defense of orthodox belief. His influence remains foundational for Christian doctrine today.
This Week in Christian History seeks to bridge past and present by highlighting the individuals and events that continue to inform Christian belief and practice. Viewers are invited to explore additional episodes, learn more about the work of the Center for Christian History, and continue discovering the stories that shaped the Christian world.
