The Deputy

I first read The Deputy in 1963 and saw a truncated version of the play in Los Angeles. I have subsequently read the play several times and I believe that the reviewers who think that this is an anti-Catholic polemic miss Hochhuth's purpose in writing the book.In The Deputy, the Catholic Church is not blamed for the holocaust; the reader understands that the Germans were perpetrators. And he does not excuse Protestants and others for their refusal to act during this terrible time. Students of the Holocaust know that there was more than enough blame to go around in terms of those who did not speak.What Hochhuth does is to state historical truth regarding Pope Pius XII's refusal to speak. Pius XII was the Deputy of Christ from 1939 to 1958. Between 1939 and 1945, though the Pope was completely aware of what the Germans were doing (mass murders), he never once spoke to criticize the Germans or ask them to stop the murders. This is uncontrovertible fact.Riccardo Fontana, the fictitious priest (and hero) in The Deputy, represents the finest qualities in man. He is that rarest of creatures, a truly good man. His passion for truth and justice leads to his numerous efforts to persuade Pius XII to action. That he is unable to reach the Pope makes his efforts heart-breakingly tragic.Riccardo is a Catholic who cannot understand why the Pope (whom he knows personally) does not speak out against one of the worst horrors in the history of mankind. For Riccardo, speaking out is not enough. He demonstrates through action (he is willing to die and actually does) that words of condemnation alone are not enough. That is why Pius XII's unwillingness to speak (much less to act) is seen as such a devastating moral lapse.I suggest that the reviewers who feel that The Deputy is blatantly anti-Catholic read the play again, in its entirety!

Reader beware. THE DEPUTY is not history or literature. It isSoviet-style propaganda--fiction presented under the guise ofhistory with the intent to mislead and misrepresent. This playentrapped many-readers and historians alike. Its power proved sogreat that it is an historic event of the 20th century.I avoided THE DEPUTY when researching its antidote & counterpoint,THE GLORY OF THE OLIVE.[...].Getting facts to achieve truehistorical perspective and understanding proved an imperative goal.Having achieved that, I can now address a portion from my second project,THE PIUS PREDICAMENT, and a major problem arising from THE DEPUTY.It intrigues me that no one has noticed Pius has become a scapegoat forthe guilt of the Holocaust. Consider the following: 1)Aside from the Resistance and courageous individuals, FDR, Churchill,the Protestant churches, the Jewish religious groups did little or nothing. Check #4 below. 2)Thanks to Pius' leadership, silent or spoken, 80% of the Roman Jews never reached the gas chambers.The problem is THE DEPUTY lacks historical perspective. How so? Hochhuthtook a post-war issue and made it a war-issue. True, the Holocausthappened during the War and rumors abounded. Yet it was post-war, because....1) the War was the prime focus.2) the Holocaust was an effect of the war.3) the Holocaust was secretly enforced.4) the Holocaust was officially known in late 1942 near the war's end.Pius was able to marshal support in Rome because he had the religious leveragewith the many institutions; it coincided with his (4) knowledge of the Holocaustfrom his inquiries with FDR and the German occupation & plans to seize Jews in Rome.For a quick, reliable resource, I recommend Dr. Marchione's paperback, Did Pope Pius XII Help the Jews? .Don't miss David Dalin's The Myth of Hitler's Pope: Pope Pius XII And His Secret War Against Nazi Germany and Kurzman's A Special Mission: Hitler's Secret Plot to Seize the Vatican and Kidnap Pope Pius XII .Happy reading--

One of the most profound investigations of Christian moral obligation in the face of institutional evil.

This was a controversial play when first produced, and remains so. Many books have been written on the behavior of religious groups regarding the holocaust, and no one has received more scruitiny than Pius XII. It is essential reading for students of World War II and the position of the Catholic Church regarding Nazi Germany.

There are things I knew about Nazi Germany in general. This book presents the dilema of one man, the the problems his dilema cause to many others.The consciencous one, and the leaders clinging to power

Unbelieveable actions in the name of piety! Mans inhumanity to mankind..... A definite pattern for the holocaust and naziism of WWII!

I do not understand individuals who feed on this kind of filthy soup and then have the guts to praise the wretched flavor to everyone else. The Deputy is a false, coldhearted, slanderous attack on the character of Pope Pius XII during World War 2. It is also a blatant assault on the Roman Catholic Church. Those who have read this book and have loved it are nothing more than Catholic haters who like to read communist slop. Anything that degrades the Church makes them extremely happy. and feel justified in their liberal, boring, godless opinions.Pius XII was one of the finest popes in the history of the Church. He did more for the Jews than any of you liberal nincompoops have ever done. The truth is that he saved hundreds of thousands of Jewish lives behind the scenes of the Vatican. It takes a lot of courage to defend someone who has been unjustly vilified by others. It is very difficult. The liars and the hypocrites, on the other hand, are always on the offense first, looking to justify and elevate themselves with the public, often profiting from the endeavor. They always have the advantage. To ruin someone's reputation can bring them fame and fortune, whether it's unjust or not.

Excellent Condition! No inside marks, perfect cover! Brand New!!!

It is a very shocking, dramatization of true historical events. It looks back 20 years before it's publication and warns of what could happen 20 years from now. A very compelling read.