Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Chief Rabbi of Rome (Dr. Israel Eugenio Zolli) Defends Venerable Pius XII

From Chapter 17: "The Charity of Pius XII"

"One might say of the reign of Pius XII that he is inspired by Isaiah's words: Peace is harmony, peace is salvation, to those near, to those afar off.  I want to heal them all...There is no place of sorrow where the spirit of love of Pius XII has not reached.  Volumes could be written on the multiform works of succour of Pius XII.  The Catholic priesthood throughout the whole world, religious men and women and the Catholic laity, stand behind the great Pontiff.  Who could ever tell what has been done?  The rule of severe enclosure falls, every thing and all things are at the service of charity...No hero in history has commanded such an army; none is more militant, more fought against, none more heroic than that conducted by Pius XII in the name of Christian charity...Pope Pius XII is followed by all with the fervor of that charity that fears not death.  No one asks for anything except to follow in the footsteps of the Master under the guidance of Pius XII...I did not hesitate to give a negative answer to the question whether I was converted in gratitude to Pius XII for his numberless acts of charity.  Nevertheless, I do feel the duty of rendering homage and of affirming that the charity of the Gospel was the light that showed the way to my old and weary heart.  It is the charity that so often shines in the history of the Church and that radiated fully in the actions of the reigning Pontiff."

-Before the Dawn by Eugenio Zolli, c. 2008, pp. 193-196.

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