Examining Pope Pius XII and Print Media Coverage in the U.S.

A pattern emerged in many papers that showed the Pope as a sole figure of peace in Europe. Clear emphasis on the Pope’s position as a solitary figure working for peace is found in many publications. In America, “Pius XII stands almost alone as the persistent, unequivocal champion of the dream of peace”26, in the New York Times, “The voice of Pius XII is a lonely voice in the silence and darkness enveloping Europe”.27 This interpretation could possibly stem from the Pope’s radio broadcasts. As only the second Pope to use international broadcasts Pius’ voice would seem to come out of the darkness and sound quite lonely to many American people.

Some publications had hopes of Papal support for specific programs. For the Chicago Defender, the Pope’s lack of direct condemnation of American Racism felt abandoning, and for Social Justice, Coughlin’s anti-Semitic program was too much for Pius’ patience.

Pius’ message was important for Americans. He was on the second Pope to be able to deliver radio broadcasts to the U.S. and provided hope in hard times. He had visited the States as Secretary of State and made a good impression on the country. It was only natural for his messages and radio broadcasts to be interpreted as they were. Hearing his voice would seem as though he was speaking directly to each and every person, and his denouncement of totalitarianism would have been easy to ascribe to. While some were disappointed with his motives and action, none could reject his message of peace and all looked to him for support. Pope Pius was not Hitler’s Pope, but everyone’s Pope, America’s Pope.

1.) LaFarge, John. Pius XII as Christ’s Vicar is Not a Political Pope." America 18 March 1939

2.) Delaney, John P.. Pope Bases Peace on Principles And Prayer." America 02 September 1939

3.) COMMENT." America 04 November 1939

4.) LaFarge, John. Mankind is Called To Unity In Christ." America 11 November 1939

5.) COMMENT." America 06 January 1940

6.) COMMENT." America 23 March 1940

7.) COMMENT." America 23 March 1940

8.) COMMENT." America 03 January 1942

9.) The Pope Speaks." America 23 May 1942

10.) Pius XII and World Politics." Commonweal 17 March 1939

11.) The Pope's Reply to President Roosevelt." Commonweal 02 February 1940

12.) The Text and the Interpretation." Commonweal 2 January 1940

13.) Pope Pius XII." Chicago Defender 17 June 1939

14.) Pope Pius Overlooks Racial Discrimination." Chicago Defender 25 November 1939

15.) The Catholic Church--Its Policy." Chicago Defender 25 November 1939

16.) Pontiff Still Sees a Chance for Peace." New York Times 20 August 1939

17.) First Encyclcial." New York Times 28 October 1939

18.) Pius XII: Militant for Peace." New York Times 19 November 1939

19.) Vatican Foresees No Immediate War." New York Times 12 May 1940

20.) The Pope's Message." New York Times 25 December 1941

21.) The Pope's Message." New York Times 02 September 1943

22.) No Dove." Time 06 November 1939

23.) Peace & the Papacy." Time 16 August 1943

24.) Hope Seen for Vatican Accord with Germany." Social Justice 27 March 1939

25.) From the Church." Social Justice 10 April 1939

26.) Is Pius Another Benedict Crying in the Wilderness?." America 18 May 1940

27.) The Pope's Message." New York Times 25 December 1941