2014-09-02 11:55:00

Pope Benedict XV and his pursuit of peace


(Vatican Radio) As commemorations are underway on September 3rd to mark a century since the election of Benedict XV to the See of  Peter, Veronica Scarisbrick brings you an interview focusing on the pope of the Great War. The interview is with historian, Professor John F. Pollard, who once wrote a book by the title of ‘Benedict XV and the Pursuit of Peace'. A landmark biography on the part of this historian who was given access to the della Chiesa family archives. 

Listen to this anniversary programme presented and produced by Veronica Scarisbrick:  

In this interview Professor Pollard explains how one can affirm Benedict XV didn't limit himself to writing encyclicals:" Benedict XV tried to stop the First World War. In his Peace note of 1917 he condemned a war of 'useless slaughter' which did not go down well...he had sent Eugenio Pacelli to prepare the ground with the Germans. It wasn't the usual pious appeal for please stop the war, it actually set out a list of issues on which they could negotiate". 

This programme also features quotes  from Benedict XV's encyclical appealing for peace dated November 1st 1914, ‘Beatissimi Apostolorum '.

 








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