Madam, - It's a pity that Patsy McGarry (March 2nd) is not better informed about the supposed "silence" of Pope Pius XII on the Nazi persecution of the Jews. Pope Pius XII did protest - but the Belgian and Dutch bishops told him that it just made things worse: the Nazis twisted the screw tighter. Reluctantly he had to stop. A few facts:
1. Pius XII asked the religious houses in Rome and Italy to give refuge and shelter to Jews.
2. In recognition of the saving work of Pius XII, the Chief Rabbi in Rome became a Catholic and asked Pius XII that he might take his name - Eugenio - in Baptism.
3. Led by Pius XII, the Church in Italy saved more Jewish lives than all the Allied governments together.
4. In recognition of the work of Pius XII the National Israeli Orchestra visited the Vatican first on its first tour after the Second World War.
These few facts speak for themselves. - Yours, etc.,
Father TOM INGOLDSBY, Salesian House, Ballinakill, Portlaoise.