“A riveting account of the actions of Pius XII during Europe's darkest years and the early Cold War. Before the war the Vatican chose Nazism rather than Communism as the lesser of two evils. In his new book Michael Phayer shows how this decision kept Pope Pius from doing as much as he might have to save the Jews, and led him to help the perpetrators of genocide to escape to South America during the Cold War. (above copy per a) As a new world war loomed, the Vatican believed it had to make a choice between Communism and Nazism. Reluctantly, both Pius XII and his predecessor chose the Nazis as the lesser of two evils. In this new book, Michael Phayer sheds new light on the actions of the Vatican and of the man whom some have called "Hitler's Pope." ”

“The new material that Phayer has brought to light from the National Archives offers a useful contribution to our understanding of the controversial relationship between the Vatican and the perpetrators of the Holocaust, expecially in the postwar period. April 2009”
 — American Historical Review

“Michael Phayer has made excellent use of newly released archival material in his study of Pope Pius XII. May 2009”
 — German Studies Review

“Unlike several passionate recent studies of Pius XII . . . Phayer makes every effort at scholarly restraint and caution. But, in the end, his careful effort produces powerful evidence that will likely add significantly to the controversy surrounding the pope . . . Certainly anyone interested in this fascinating, important, and disturbing topic must read this book.Volume 43, 2010”
 — Central European History

“Phayer's text reads like a riveting suspense novel—filled with intrigue, conspiracy, and money laundering. . . . The so-called Pius Wars will not end with this book, but Phayer makes a welcome addition to the debate. . . . Recommended.”
 — Choice

“This is an impressive study, which uses the new documentation in a judicious manner to develop credible reinterpretations of papal policy during the war and after. . . . The book makes a particularly valuable and original contribution . . . March 2009”
 — The International History Review

“Diligently researched and documented, judicious in its conclusions . . . compassionate and humane in its outlook.”
 — Richard L. Rubenstein, author of After Auschwitz: History, Theology, and Contemporary Judaism