Why I stand by my book Hitler’s Pope
SIR – In his article on Pius XII (Cover story, March 10), Fr Leo Chamberlain comments that my book Hitler’s Pope received warm reviews in the “liberal press”, as opposed to harsh reviews from knowledgeable experts. In fact, the book received much praise from academic specialists on the period, including Professor Owen Chadwick, Professor Paul Preston, Professor Denis Mack Smith and Professor Saul Friedländer.
He alleges that I translated inaccurately from a “long letter” written by the then Pacelli in 1919. The translation of the text of the letter was made by a professional translator, later double-checked by two more professionals – and found to be accurate.
