The Vatican pimpernel : the wartime exploits of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty
Fleming, BrianUUUU
Books, Manuscripts
Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty was a Vatican monsignor and diplomat. During the German occupation of Rome from 1942 to 1944, he devoted his time and energy to running an escape organisation for Allied POWs and civilians, including Jews. He placed thousands in safety and was known as the Pimpernel of the Vatican. The work was dangerous. Safe within the Vatican state due to diplomatic immunity, he regularly ventured out using disguises to continue his mission. Kappler, the Gestapo chief in Rome, ordered him captured or killed if seen outside the Vatican. None of those recaptured and tortured betrayed him. When the Allies entered Rome he had saved over 6,000 lives. Kappler was sentenced to life. His only visitor, monthly, for many years, was O'Flaherty. They became friends and in 1959, O'Flaherty baptised Kappler.
Author:
Imprint:
Collins Press, 2008.
ISBN:
97819051725731905172575
Dewey class:
940.5486 OFL
Local class:
940.5486 OFL
Language:
English
Subject:
BRN:
2437125