Summary 12 - Opposition from the Roman Catholic Church

Question 1

What was the main priority of the Roman Catholic Church?

Answer 1

Their main aim was to protect many of their organisations.

Question 2

How did the Catholic Church view the Nazis war aims in 1939?

Answer 2

The Catholic Church supported the Nazis war aims in 1939.

Question 3

How did the Catholic Church view the invasion of Russia in 1941?

Answer 3

They supported the invasion of Russia in 1941.

Question 4

What was the main source of opposition to the Nazis from the Catholic Church?

Answer 4

Opposition came from individual churchmen.

Question 5

Which Bishop spoke out in a sermon in August 1941 against the euthanasia of the mentally and physically disabled?

Answer 5

Bishop Galen

Question 6

What was the impact of Bishop Galen’s sermon in August 1941?

Answer 6

It led to the euthanasia programme of the mentally and physically disabled being temporarily halted.

Question 7

How did the Nazis respond to the sermon of Bishop Galen in 1941?

Answer 7

Galen was not persecuted but those who distributed his sermon were, three Catholic priests were executed.

Question 8

Give another example of opposition to the regime from members of the Catholic Church?

Answer 8

Archbishop Frings of Cologne spoke out against the killing of prisoners of war.