In audiences with Jews, Benedict XVI reaffirms the Church's commitment to implementing the principles set forth in Nostra Aetate, the historic Declaration of the Second Vatican Council, which condemns all forms of antisemitism. This milestone in Catholic-Jewish relations renewed the theological understanding of relations between the Church and the Jewish People. It is clear that Pope Benedict XVI tries to overcome differences, prevent misunderstandings and avoid needless confrontations.

Undoubtedly, Pope Benedict XVI admires Pius XII who was a leader in the struggle for racial equality, social justice, and understanding among all groups. The example of his inspired life and his encyclicals on the dignity and rights of all men transcend ecclesiastical boundaries. When he died, "He is a light to all" was whispered everywhere.

On September 18, 2008, speaking to an American-Jewish group in Castelgandolfo, Benedict XVI stated that "there is a wealth of evidence to show that Pius XII had done whatever he could to rescue Jews during the Holocaust, and indeed had rescued a large number."

The television premiere of "A Hand of Peace: Pope Pius XII & the Holocaust" will take place on Sunday, November 23rd at 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. It will be presented again on Wednesday, November 26th at 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. This documentary explores the choices Pius XII faced and features interviews with Sir Martin Gilbert, Father Peter Gumpel, Sister Margherita Marchione and other historians.

During the two decades of his pontificate, Pope Pius XII guided the Catholic Church and established himself as a champion of peace. He protested the persecution of Jews and saved the lives of countless victims of the Nazi reign of terror. His was the only moral voice in a world torn apart by war: "Nothing can be gained by war; everything can be gained by peace!"

According to Jewish historian Pinchas Lapide, the Catholic Church saved 860,000 Jews who were hidden in 155 convents and monasteries in Rome. As the Vicar of Christ, Pope Pius XII was fully aware of the tremendous responsibility that rested on his shoulders. He knew that the slightest provocation could have devastating repercussions for thousands of innocent Jews. He aimed at saving human lives and ordered the superiors of convents and monasteries to open their doors to protect the persecuted Jews.

In the magazine Christianity in History, Kenneth L. Woodward noted that The New York Times praised the pope for his intense spirituality and for standing up to the Nazis. He also reiterated the unanimously positive opinions about Pius XII that appeared in the press after his death in 1958. Should such contemporary opinions be ignored?

For almost two decades, Pius XII condemned Nazi racialism as antireligious and stemmed the Communist tide. Under his direction the Catholic Church saved the lives of Jews, Fascists, anti-Fascists and Germans. He condemned Nazism prior to and during hostilities; alleviated the suffering and saved the lives of Jewish and Christian war victims; and worked with great devotion for peace. When all political leaders left Rome, Pius XII remained to guide the Romans and became known as Defensor Civitatis, Defender of the city of Rome!

Inspired by his fatherly concern, his smiling face, and his affirming words, millions of visitors to the Vatican experienced intense faith, hope and love of God and of neighbor.

Margherita Marchione, PhD, author of: Yours Is a Precious Witness: Memoirs of Jews and Catholics in Wartime Italy (1997); Pius XII: Architect for Peace (2000); Consensus and Controversy (2002); Shepherd of Souls: A Pictorial Life of Pius XII (2002), Man of Peace (2003), Crusade of Charity: Pius XII and POWs (2006), Did Pope Pius XII Help the Jews? (2007), Paulist Press.