Film still from a 1939 Universal Newsreel showing Pope Pius XI on the balcony at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of National Archives
Since the Vatican opened its post-1939 closed archives earlier this year, historians are gaining new insight into how one of the world’s most influential institutions, the Catholic Church, confronted—or failed to confront—the Nazi regime, particularly its persecution of Jews.
Holy Silence, a thought-provoking and timely new documentary, examines the role of Vatican and US leaders in shaping the Church's response to the rising Nazi threat and antisemitism spreading across Europe.
Join us for a live conversation with an expert panel to explore this history, including how the Church's response influenced its followers.
Participants can watch Holy Silence independently at no cost with a password-protected link before and after the virtual event. Register today to receive film access details.
Speakers
Joshua Moore, Programmer, Jewish Film Institute
Peter Eisner, Author, The Pope's Last Crusade: How an American Jesuit Helped Pope Pius XI's Campaign to Stop Hitler
Steven Pressman, Director, Holy Silence and Emmy-nominated 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus
Moderator
Dr. Suzanne Brown-Fleming, Director, International Academic Programs, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
For more information, please contact calendar@ushmm.org.