Archives for the pontificate of Pope Pius XI.

* Pope Benedict has authorized opening the Vatican archives for the pontificate of Pope Plus XI (1922-1939). This period encompasses the major events leading to World War II, including the rise to power of Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin.

While the archives will shed light on papal attitudes to these dictators and totalitarianisms, various media types are slavering at the mouth in prospect of uncovering damning evidence against the Pope they love to hate, Pins XII, then Vatican Secretary of State. It is unlikely that they will find anything that will change the already established record of Pope Plus XII, first as Nuncio to Germany, then as Secretary of State under Pins XI, as a firm opponent of both Nazism and Communism.