The Pope and the Nazis A notable development in the
conflict between State and Church in Germany is the uncompromising denunciation by the Pope on Christmas Eve of the persecution of German Roman Catholics by the Nazi Government. The Holy Father's language was uncompromising. Not often before, he said, had there been persecution so heavy, so formidable, so grievous, so distressing in its more profound effects ; it was a persecution in which neither constraint of violence, nor pressure of threats, nor tricks of cunning, nor lies, were wanting. By what means these words have come, if they have come, to the ears of Roman Catholics in Germany is not clear, for no German paper appears to have reported them, and Italian papers devoted to them a dozen colourless words. The issue o The Times recording them was confis- cated. The Nazi Government seems hardly less resolute to stamp out religion than the Soviet, but it can have no hope of the same success. The Churches in Germany were not corrupt, and though persecution has resulted in a great restric- tion of their influence as well as much suffering they still remain an important force in the national life, and the day may come when Herr Hitler will have reason to regret their addition to the elements he has alienated. Meanwhile most of the imprisoned Protestant pastors have unexpectedly been released. Dr. Niemoller, however, is left in prison.
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