Vatican set to publish documents from World War II archives

Published: 2004-06-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican is preparing to publish a two-volume book and eight DVDs that document the Holy See's quiet efforts to help prisoners of war during World War II. The material from the Vatican Secret Archives, including information on some 3 million people, illustrates the "gigantic" project undertaken by the Vatican to help the prisoners and relatives seeking news about their fate, a Vatican statement said June 8. The publications also testify to the "abundant charity and social work, inspired by the principles of universality and impartiality, which was carried out under the pontificate of Pope Pius XII," the Vatican said. The material is expected to go on sale at the end of June, and will be available to the general public as well as historians.

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