A Friends of the Library Lecture on the topic of a new book, The Pope at War: The Secret History of Pius XII, Mussolini, and Hitler by the historian David Kertzer (2000 Resident), will take place at the Academy with the author. Also speaking are Ruth Ben-Ghiat (2022 Resident), Lutz Klinkhammer (German Historical Institute in Rome), Simon Levis Sullam (University of Venice, Ca’ Foscari), and Marla Stone, Andrew W. Mellon Humanities Professor (1996 Fellow).

Based on newly opened Vatican archives, The Pope at War is a riveting book about Pope Pius XII and his actions during World War II, including how he responded to the Holocaust. Kertzer is the Paul Dupee Jr. University Professor of Social Science and a professor of anthropology and Italian studies at Brown University, where he served as provost from 2006 to 2011. He is the author of twelve books, including The Pope and Mussolini (2014), winner of a Pulitzer Prize.

The Patricia H. Labalme Friends of the Library Lecture, to be presented in person at the Academy as well as on Zoom, is free and open to the public. To watch on Zoom, please register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The Friends of the Library supports the Academy’s Arthur & Janet C. Ross Library through annual dues and special initiatives. The group also helps to raise awareness of the Library’s resources through regular programs. Join online today!

Notice

Space in the Sala Aurelia is limited, and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you plan to attend an event with a group of over six guests or students, please inform events [at] aarome.org (events[at]aarome[dot]org) with at least 48 hours prior notice so that special arrangements can be made.

Guests will be asked to comply with Covid-19 safety protocols for events:

• Access to the Academy requires the presentation of a valid photo ID and a Super Green Pass
• FFP2 masks are required when indoors, and temperature will be checked before entry
• Visitor contact information may be shared for contact tracing

Please contact events [at] aarome.org (events[at]aarome[dot]org) with any questions.

Backpacks and luggage with dimensions larger than 40 x 35 x 15 cm (16 x 14 x 6 in.) are not permitted on the property. There are no locker facilities available.