Podcast Summary:
The Matt Walsh Show
Episode: Introducing The Pope and the Führer: The Secret Vatican Files of World War II with Michael Knowles
Date: August 17, 2025
Host: Matt Walsh (The Daily Wire)
Special Guest: Michael Knowles (on the new documentary series)
Overview
In this episode, Matt Walsh introduces the new Daily Wire documentary series, The Pope and the Führer: The Secret Vatican Files of World War II, featuring Michael Knowles. The discussion focuses on revisiting the often-misrepresented legacy of Pope Pius XII during World War II and how newly uncovered Vatican documents challenge the established historical narrative. The episode aims to preview the series, explain its significance, and encourage listeners to watch the in-depth investigation into one of the twentieth century’s most enigmatic figures.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Reexamining Pope Pius XII’s Legacy (00:32)
- For decades, Pope Pius XII has been labeled “Hitler’s Pope”—accused of silence, complicity, and cowardice during the Holocaust and WWII.
- Michael Knowles sets the stage: “For 80 years, the narrative about Pope Pius XII during World War II has been simple and also wrong… It’s repeated so many times, most people stopped asking whether any of it was actually true.”
2. New Vatican Documents Unveiled (00:40)
- The Vatican’s secret wartime archives have recently become available, revealing documentation not previously seen by historians or the public.
- These documents tell “a very different story” than the mainstream view, which Knowles and the team explore in depth.
3. Critical Questions Addressed (00:56)
- The investigative series seeks to answer:
- What did the Vatican and Pope Pius XII truly know during WWII?
- Why did the Pope refrain from making public statements?
- Why has the story of his alleged complicity persisted and been “twisted for so long”?
4. Importance of Historical Truth
- The series is described as “the most in depth look yet at one of the most misunderstood figures of the 20th century.”
- Knowles emphasizes the stakes: “The truth matters. And that’s why we made this series.” (
01:10) - The documentary aims to correct the historical record using primary source documents previously locked away for nearly 80 years.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Michael Knowles: “For 80 years, the narrative about Pope Pius XII during World War II has been simple and also wrong. They called him Hitler's Pope, accused him of silence, complicity, cowardice. It’s repeated so many times, most people stopped asking whether any of it was actually true.” (
00:32) - Michael Knowles: “Now, for the first time, we have the documents, the real ones, from the Vatican's one secret wartime archive. They tell a very different story.” (
00:41) - Michael Knowles: “This series is the most in depth look at yet one of the most misunderstood figures of the 20th century.” (
01:04) - Michael Knowles: “The truth matters. And that’s why we made this series.” (
01:10)
Important Timestamps
00:32— Revisiting the standard narrative about Pope Pius XII00:41— Vatican’s secret archives revealed00:56— Central questions the documentary addresses01:10— Affirmation of the importance of truth and historical correction
Conclusion
This episode serves as a compelling introduction to Michael Knowles’ new documentary, which invites listeners to reconsider the widely accepted account of Pope Pius XII’s role in WWII. By leveraging newly released Vatican archives, the series seeks to address longstanding questions and dispel myths, arguing that the pursuit of historical truth remains crucial. Listeners are encouraged to explore the series for a deep, firsthand look at evidence that could reshape one of history’s most controversial reputations.