Pope Visits Mass Grave of Nazi Victims
Pope Benedict XVI visited the mass grave of the victims of a Nazi massacre near Rome.
The pope on Sunday called the 1944 massacre of 335 Italian Jews and Catholics by Nazi soldiers at the Ardeatine Caves a “grave offense against God.” The victims included Italian army officers, resistance fighters, civilians and 75 members of Rome’s Jewish community.
In the cave where the massacre victims are buried, the pope read prayers alongside the graves with Roman Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni. Relatives of the victims attended the ceremony.
In the book of witness at the entrance to the cave, the pope wrote in Latin that “I shall fear no evil because You are with me,” Vatican Radio reported.
Benedict was forced to become a member of the Hitler Youth and fought briefly for the Germans during World War II.
He is the third pope to visit the site; Paul VI visited in 1965 and John Paul II in 1982.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
