Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show
Episode: Introducing The Pope and the Führer: The Secret Vatican Files of World War II with Michael Knowles
Date: August 17, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode focuses on introducing the new Daily Wire Plus documentary, The Pope and the Führer: The Secret Vatican Files of World War II, featuring an investigation led by Michael Knowles. The key theme is to challenge prevailing narratives about the Vatican’s involvement during the Holocaust, address long-held accusations against the Pope, and promote deeper historical understanding through newly opened Vatican wartime archives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Debunking Historical Myths

  • The episode opens by confronting a common allegation: that the Pope at the time of World War II (often referred to as “Hitler’s Pope”) was complicit in the Holocaust or did nothing to stop it.
  • Michael Knowles utilizes unprecedented access to newly revealed Vatican wartime archives to investigate these claims.
  • The documentary seeks to uncover the real actions of the Vatican during WWII and to explore why misleading narratives about the Church’s role became so widespread.

• Documentary Highlights

  • The new series, titled The Pope and the Führer, is structured as a four-part investigative documentary.
  • The series is presented as both a historical revelation and a lesson in the dangers of accepting unexamined, popularized myths.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Common Accusations Addressed

  • "[00:32] B: If you've studied World War II, you probably heard something like this. The Pope did nothing. He let the Holocaust unfold. He was, quote, Hitler's Pope. That's the story that you were told. But what if what you were told wasn't true?"

• Purpose of the Documentary

  • "[00:56] B: In it, our own Michael Knowles investigates one of the most damaging fabrications ever told about the Catholic Church. And he does it with unprecedented access to the Vatican's wartime archives, uncovering what really happened and why the truth was buried for so long."

• Broader Message

  • "[01:09] B: This isn't just history, it's a masterclass in how unchecked lies can destroy important institutions."

Important Timestamps & Segments

• [00:32]: Introduction of the familiar narrative—“Hitler's Pope”—and challenge to its accuracy.
• [00:56]: Overview of Michael Knowles's investigation and the documentary’s unique access to Vatican archives.
• [01:09]: Emphasis on the documentary’s relevance beyond history: warning about the destructive power of lies about institutions.

Tone & Style

The tone is direct, urgent, and driven by a clear intent to challenge mainstream narratives. Ben Shapiro and his team position the documentary as revelatory and corrective, aligning with the show’s broader commitment to exposing perceived misinformation.

Conclusion

This episode serves as a powerful promo for The Pope and the Führer, while also inviting listeners to reconsider what they "know" about the Vatican in WWII. Listeners are encouraged to watch the series for an in-depth investigation, promising new evidence and a conservative perspective that aims to reshape public understanding of a critical historical chapter.