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The Vatican Pimpernel: The World War II Exploits of the Monsignor Who Saved Over 6,500 Lives
During the German occupation of Rome from 1942-1944, Irishman Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty ran an escape organization for Allied POWs and civilians, including Jews. Safe within the Vatican state, he regularly ventured out in disguise to continue his mission, which earned him the nickname The Pimpernel of The Vatican. When the Allies entered Rome, he and his collaborators, priests, nuns, and laypeople of numerous nationalities and religious beliefs had saved the lives of over 6,500 people.
The first new telling of this extraordinary story in decades, this book also addresses the fascinating dichotomy between O'Flaherty and Herbert Kappler, the Gestapo chief in Rome who ordered him killed, and who, after the war, reconciled with the monsignor, and even asked him to perform his baptism. For his heroic efforts, O'Flaherty was awarded the highest honors, including a Congressional Medal, and was the first Irishman named the Notary of the Holy Office. His story was immortalized in the 1983 film The Scarlet and the Black, which starred GregoryPeck as O'Flaherty.
The first new telling of this extraordinary story in decades, this book also addresses the fascinating dichotomy between O'Flaherty and Herbert Kappler, the Gestapo chief in Rome who ordered him killed, and who, after the war, reconciled with the monsignor, and even asked him to perform his baptism. For his heroic efforts, O'Flaherty was awarded the highest honors, including a Congressional Medal, and was the first Irishman named the Notary of the Holy Office. His story was immortalized in the 1983 film The Scarlet and the Black, which starred GregoryPeck as O'Flaherty.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
December 5, 2014
So many biographies suffer from the problems of this book. There is a great story there, but the author gets so caught up in stuffing in every name and date that they lose the dynamics of the story. The same events in the hands of a true storyteller would have been much better. However, I found myself in awe of the sheer bravery displayed by the real people described in this book. I was interested to learn what World War II was like in Italy, since I had never read anything from that perspective before. So, in the end, I am glad I read it.
December 28, 2023
This was an excellent man!!! He never wrote his own story and the author had to piece a lot of info together on him. I still feel it could have been written better, but I am grateful for the attempt. I learned so much about Rome during the Nazi occupation and about the fascist regime. It’s a great starting point for more study. I read this in a book group and we read 2 chapters a week.
August 17, 2021
Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty was actively involved in saving many people, escaped Allied POWs, Jews, and anti-Fascists, from the German troops occupying Rome during WWII. This book gives a clear picture of what things were like during the war years, and how O'Flaherty selflessly risked his own life many times to find hiding places and protect those who needed help. The writing style is a bit dry, but the book is based on a great deal of documented research.
May 27, 2015
I found this to be a fascinating story about an event I knew little about. I do remember in several of W.E.B. Griffin’s historical novels he mentioned a Vatican priest that was rescuing allied soldiers and Jews. I did not follow up and check to see it he was a fictional character or not.
The book is a biography of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty (1898-1963). He was an Irish Roman Catholic priest and senior official of the Roman Caria in Rome and a significant figure in Catholic resistance to Nazism. During WWII, he was responsible for saving 6500 allied soldiers and Jews from the Nazi.
Fleming covers his early life but details most excitedly the cat and mouse game between O’Flaherty and the Gestapo and Sicherheitsdienst. He evaded the Gestapo traps so successfully they called him “The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican.”
Ireland was a neutral country during WWII and had the only English speaking Embassy in Rome. The wife of the Ambassador, Delia Murphy, was a key helper of O’Flaherty’s at great risk to herself and the Embassy.
Apparently they made a T.V. movie of this story starring Gregory Peck in 1983, titled “The Scarlet and the Black”. I shall have to check Amazon and see if they have it; I think I would like to watch it after reading this exciting book.
I read this as an e-book download from Amazon using the Kindle app on my iPad. It came as a whispersync to the audio format with Brian Troxell narrating it. The e-book is 224 pages and the release date is 2012.
The book is a biography of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty (1898-1963). He was an Irish Roman Catholic priest and senior official of the Roman Caria in Rome and a significant figure in Catholic resistance to Nazism. During WWII, he was responsible for saving 6500 allied soldiers and Jews from the Nazi.
Fleming covers his early life but details most excitedly the cat and mouse game between O’Flaherty and the Gestapo and Sicherheitsdienst. He evaded the Gestapo traps so successfully they called him “The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican.”
Ireland was a neutral country during WWII and had the only English speaking Embassy in Rome. The wife of the Ambassador, Delia Murphy, was a key helper of O’Flaherty’s at great risk to herself and the Embassy.
Apparently they made a T.V. movie of this story starring Gregory Peck in 1983, titled “The Scarlet and the Black”. I shall have to check Amazon and see if they have it; I think I would like to watch it after reading this exciting book.
I read this as an e-book download from Amazon using the Kindle app on my iPad. It came as a whispersync to the audio format with Brian Troxell narrating it. The e-book is 224 pages and the release date is 2012.
July 22, 2020
Exceptional hero priest who always put others first. Msg Hugh O'Flaherty deserves to be much better known. To his credit, Fleming has added in detail about wartime Rome which I never knew or fully understood eg how dangerous & vicious the Fascist thugs under Pietro Koch were & how the diplomatic scene worked. All the short stories about the Msg and his exploits bring him to life most of the time, but I still wanted to know more. I have recommended this book to several others & we enjoy sharing our favourite episodes from the book.
July 8, 2015
I think the story of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, the Irishman who organized an escape plan in German-occupied Rome, is an interesting and inspiring one. The story could have been better written.
It is believed, that with the help of other nuns, priests, and Italian residents, Msgr. O'Flaherty saved the lives of over 6,500 people, including Jews and Allied soldiers. The only consideration Msgr. O'Flaherty and his co-conspirators gave was they were people in harm's way of the Gestapo.
O'Flaherty often had papers forged to pass people through German checkpoints, disguises made for them and safe houses secured. He wasn't above disguising himself as a coalman or other civilian so that one could escape as a priest and he could go on his way as an everyday Roman citizen. This earned him the title also given to the book: The Vatican Pimpernel.
For all his organizational efforts and for risking his life on a daily basis, Msgr. O'Flaherty was recognized and honored by Italy, Britain and the United States.
Those who like honor and bravery and espionage would like this book.
It is believed, that with the help of other nuns, priests, and Italian residents, Msgr. O'Flaherty saved the lives of over 6,500 people, including Jews and Allied soldiers. The only consideration Msgr. O'Flaherty and his co-conspirators gave was they were people in harm's way of the Gestapo.
O'Flaherty often had papers forged to pass people through German checkpoints, disguises made for them and safe houses secured. He wasn't above disguising himself as a coalman or other civilian so that one could escape as a priest and he could go on his way as an everyday Roman citizen. This earned him the title also given to the book: The Vatican Pimpernel.
For all his organizational efforts and for risking his life on a daily basis, Msgr. O'Flaherty was recognized and honored by Italy, Britain and the United States.
Those who like honor and bravery and espionage would like this book.
September 7, 2020
Compared to Gallagher’s book The Scarlet and the Black: The True Story of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, Hero of the Vatican Underground, this one feels drier and faster.
Brian Fleming spends some time giving the context to the situation of Rome from 1941 till the end of the war, which is informative. A few key characters are introduced in detail and their contribution to the O’Flaherty operations explained. But many others are also named once, usually when they get arrested, as if we were supposed to know them.
Several anecdotes are taken from Gallagher, but Fleming’s main source is Sam Derry’s The Rome Escape Line: The Story of the British Organization in Rome for Assisting Escaped Prisoners-of-War, 1943-44, from which many pages are cited verbatim (with attribution) and others condensed, losing some intelligibility. I am currently reading Derry’s book, which is better written and clearer to follow characters and events.
Brian Fleming spends some time giving the context to the situation of Rome from 1941 till the end of the war, which is informative. A few key characters are introduced in detail and their contribution to the O’Flaherty operations explained. But many others are also named once, usually when they get arrested, as if we were supposed to know them.
Several anecdotes are taken from Gallagher, but Fleming’s main source is Sam Derry’s The Rome Escape Line: The Story of the British Organization in Rome for Assisting Escaped Prisoners-of-War, 1943-44, from which many pages are cited verbatim (with attribution) and others condensed, losing some intelligibility. I am currently reading Derry’s book, which is better written and clearer to follow characters and events.
July 15, 2014
Monsignor O'Flaherty saved the lives of so many thousands of Jews, British escapees from Prisoner of War camps and others with the help of many brave men and women who hid people in their homes at great risk to their lives and the lives of their families. Many were hidden in the Vatican and the Vatican properties. The Pope must have given approval as he surely knew what was happening but the Vatican had to be silent as they had been given neutrality in the city of Rome and they were also dependent on the water supply from Rome. Despite the fact that the Germans were aware of his activities, the Monsignor continued to help people, often going out in disguise when the Germans were watching, hoping to capture him. When so many German soldiers, Italian soldiers etc. could be so cruel and sadistic, hunting down people,a few of the Germans seemed to me, to turn a blind eye to the aid being given to the people being hidden. They could have been worse, as far as the Vatican was concerned, and they were getting worse as the end of the war approached and the Vatican and the monsignor were in even more danger. A great book.
September 1, 2018
An Irish priest in the Vatican saved thousands of escaped POWs and Jews in Rome during WWII, assisted by extraordinarily brave local civilians, other priests, and some of the escaped POWs themselves who worked tirelessly on behalf of others in this little known story of heroism. The sheer logistics were daunting. The huge numbers of people had to be moved around constantly, always one step ahead of the Gestapo investigators. And - money had to be raised, black market food sourced, and food and clothing distributed daily for years without detection. Pretty amazing, but I had to give the book only 3 stars because it wasn't that well written. It's too bad, because the people who ran this covert operation deserved better.
May 29, 2019
I couldn’t stop and just slowly read this book! Just this evening I found the older movie with Gregory Peck as Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty on Amazon Prime video and watched that as well.
Both were Extremely uplifting and inspirational at a time when the world 🌎 was being swallowed one piece at a time by true Monsters. The Church had many brave men and women who helped the Jewish people. Even though one later written book destroyed the reputation of Pope Pius XII, it doesn’t show that in this film or in the book.
As an aside, I heard the secret Vatican archives with the truth of what Pope XII actually did during WWII will be opened in March of 2020. I feel the Church and especially the WWII Pope will be vindicated
Both were Extremely uplifting and inspirational at a time when the world 🌎 was being swallowed one piece at a time by true Monsters. The Church had many brave men and women who helped the Jewish people. Even though one later written book destroyed the reputation of Pope Pius XII, it doesn’t show that in this film or in the book.
As an aside, I heard the secret Vatican archives with the truth of what Pope XII actually did during WWII will be opened in March of 2020. I feel the Church and especially the WWII Pope will be vindicated
January 13, 2021
I knew some of the backstory from the Gregory Peck film " The Scarlet and the Black". This really is an amazing story that reads more like fiction. What we know about what he did comes almost entirely from others. He never wrote of his experiences. So you get the feeling that even with what we did know about him, the totality of it is even more amazing.
August 31, 2016
I tend to agree with others who feel that while this particular book isn't such an engaging read, it's subject matter certainly is.
The Catholic world needs good priestly role models and Mgsr. O'Flaherty proved just how much of an impact a good priest can have.
The Catholic world needs good priestly role models and Mgsr. O'Flaherty proved just how much of an impact a good priest can have.
May 4, 2019
Overall, an excellent read. It can get a bit academic at times, but well worth the read. A part of Irish/European history that I was not aware of. Five stars.
March 26, 2021
This excellent book completely changed what I knew of the role of the Catholic Church in Rome during WWII. This book details the accomplishments of a very unassuming, humble Irish Catholic Monsignor who organized an eclectic group that defied their Nazi occupiers and Italian fascist rulers to save escaped POW's, downed pilots, Jews, and amazing men and women who worked against the Axis powers. This bold Irishman accomplished the impossible with the help of courageous citizens of Rome who fed and supported and hid those in danger, sharing that danger. This history provides gripping reading because of the continuous jeopardy of those walking on the edge of disaster to do what is right in the face of life threatening evil.
January 20, 2015
This is quite the interesting and delightful biography. If this is an accurate portrait for the man, then Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty would be one of the most Christian men of his generation and many others. This biography is built primarily from sources other than the Monsignor himself who only gave one interview concerning his risky activities during World War II. There are other books concerning the escape organization from Italy during the War, written by the participants, but none by the Monsignor. It appears that those that worked with him in the organization held him in great reverence. It's also clear that despite temptation that he lived mostly other than his love of golf, which he was apparently quite good at. The book is very concise but draws a full picture of the man. I can see why he was honored by so many nations for his work.
July 10, 2015
A hero
This was an intriguing book. I couldn't put it down. This Monsignor was brave and faced many chances at being killed in the hands of Germans. But his sharpness and intelligence made him a hero to all he hid throughout Rome and Vatican territory from Germans killing them. There were at least six thousand. People who were caught lived in poor conditions lack of food. Killed just because they were Italian Jewish etc. Germany wanted to take over Europe. But this Irish man Hugh O Flaherty won out. He should be a Saint for his heroism.
This was an intriguing book. I couldn't put it down. This Monsignor was brave and faced many chances at being killed in the hands of Germans. But his sharpness and intelligence made him a hero to all he hid throughout Rome and Vatican territory from Germans killing them. There were at least six thousand. People who were caught lived in poor conditions lack of food. Killed just because they were Italian Jewish etc. Germany wanted to take over Europe. But this Irish man Hugh O Flaherty won out. He should be a Saint for his heroism.
September 6, 2015
This is a dramatic story about a humble and heroic individual and many others who supported his efforts to aid and rescue those sought (allied servicemen, partisans, draft evaders, Jews, political opponents of the regime, etc) by the Fascist or Nazi gestapo . The book also gives a fascinating view of the complexities and dangers faced by the Vatican, embassies of neutral countries, Red Cross, allied governments operating within Rome before the liberation in June of '44.
July 1, 2017
Years ago, I believe it was ABC made a film starring Gregory Peck as The Vatican Pimpernel. The film was excellent so when I found this book... must read. As an educator of Political History who has taught The Holocaust, I recommended the film to students. Now I recommend this book. How people risk their lives to do "the ethical thing" in times of mass horror. Highly recommend both the book and the film which is available. Enjoy!!!!
July 4, 2017
I am so pleased to find out about this heroic man
In the past, having been born into the Catholic faith, as to what the Papal Office may have done to help during the Holocaust. I had no idea that so many of the clergy had secretly have put themselves in harm's way in service to mankind. In particular I am awed by the Christian example set by Father Oflarety. I recommend this heartily.
In the past, having been born into the Catholic faith, as to what the Papal Office may have done to help during the Holocaust. I had no idea that so many of the clergy had secretly have put themselves in harm's way in service to mankind. In particular I am awed by the Christian example set by Father Oflarety. I recommend this heartily.
August 21, 2017
Fascinating people and history
This book is a fascinating true and well researched accounting of a remarkable Priest and the many others with him who risked their lives to save others in WWII Rome. For anyone interested in stories about real heroes and heroines who go above and beyond, this book is a page turner not to miss.
This book is a fascinating true and well researched accounting of a remarkable Priest and the many others with him who risked their lives to save others in WWII Rome. For anyone interested in stories about real heroes and heroines who go above and beyond, this book is a page turner not to miss.
December 18, 2016
This is the story of a very brave Irish priest who, at considerable risk, assisted over6,000 civilians and British escaped POW's get out of Rome during the war. Fast paced true life adventure that will, at times, leave you breathless.
August 19, 2015
Well researched and a well deserved accolade to an relatively unknown and unsung hero.
July 29, 2015
Entertaining and heartwarming
Terrific read! The Irish monsignor saved thousands of soldiers, Italians and Jewish people from the Nazis. And he did it with panache.
Terrific read! The Irish monsignor saved thousands of soldiers, Italians and Jewish people from the Nazis. And he did it with panache.
July 21, 2017
Thoroughly inspiring story of a priest's priest. Non-judgemental, caring and humble. Have read better literature lately, but this story will truly stay with me awhile.
March 2, 2018
(read on Kindle)
Very interested by the "based on a true story" concept, I started this book with eagerness. That quickly turned to frustration. While footnotes imply the book is well researched, it reads like someone's notes roughly stitched together to form a narrative.
So disappointed. Wasn't there a movie inspired by this book? (The Scarlet and the Black with Gregory Peck)
After reading the book I realized that yeah, there was a book by similar title that inspired the movie, however this book appears to be written after the movie aired.
The book I read
The Vatican Pimpernel: The World War II Exploits of the Monsignor Who Saved Over 6,500 Lives 1st Edition by Brian Fleming (Author)Skyhorse Publishing; 1 edition (October 1, 2012)
The book the movie was based on
Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican: Hugh Joseph O'Flaherty (Fontana books) Paperback – April, 1969
by J.P. Gallagher (Author) HarperCollins Distribution Services; New edition edition (April 1969)
NOTE the second book is written by an O'Flaherty (relative of the Monseigneur who is the focus of the story).
Caveat Emptor
Very interested by the "based on a true story" concept, I started this book with eagerness. That quickly turned to frustration. While footnotes imply the book is well researched, it reads like someone's notes roughly stitched together to form a narrative.
So disappointed. Wasn't there a movie inspired by this book? (The Scarlet and the Black with Gregory Peck)
After reading the book I realized that yeah, there was a book by similar title that inspired the movie, however this book appears to be written after the movie aired.
The book I read
The Vatican Pimpernel: The World War II Exploits of the Monsignor Who Saved Over 6,500 Lives 1st Edition by Brian Fleming (Author)Skyhorse Publishing; 1 edition (October 1, 2012)
The book the movie was based on
Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican: Hugh Joseph O'Flaherty (Fontana books) Paperback – April, 1969
by J.P. Gallagher (Author) HarperCollins Distribution Services; New edition edition (April 1969)
NOTE the second book is written by an O'Flaherty (relative of the Monseigneur who is the focus of the story).
Caveat Emptor
September 17, 2024
Very interesting book about an Irish Catholic Priest created and oversaw a network of resources to hide Jewish people, allied soldiers, Italian resistance and others from the Germans during WWII. I found very interesting was that as an Irish priest he was essentially neutral and at one point in the book, he writes that due to the propaganda by both the allies and axis powers, he did not know who was telling the truth. However, an encounter of Jews being treated brutally and publicly humiliated made it clear to him the Germans were the bad guys (for lack of a better phrase) and so he threw his support to the allies. Using his role as an Irish priest with Vatican connections, he found ways to hide people from the Germans. His optimistic and compassionate manner made him memorable those he helped. The book was not long and it deserves more pages as the 197 do not do enough justice to this story of brave people who put their lives on the line to shelter, clothe and feed the thousands of people hiding in Rome. The book points out the Vatican's role in helping hide a lot of people and the use of multiple convents and seminaries to do the same.
January 11, 2021
I loved the story and the bravery shown by Hugh O’Flaherty. I asked myself, would I be as brave as the Monsignor and the Maltese family. In the face of the monsters they were dealing with, the answer is no, I would not. And I’m not taking away from the Monsignor, but he was behind the Vatican walls, the Maltese family were outside! I didn’t know much about Italy or Mussolini’s part in the Second World War, so I found the first half of the book very interesting. Then I felt like I was reading the author’s notes on the book. It became full of little incidents. Crammed in, not connected. The story is so great. that kind of bravery in the face of evil is rare, it deserved to be told. The events in the hands of a good writer might have been delivered better. But like all books, there is something to take from it. I enjoyed reading and researching about the Second World War and Italy’s part in it.
January 10, 2019
A very well documented, matter-of-fact recitation of an amazing man who saved thousands of people during and after World War II. His generosity and dedication to helping people was irrespective of religion, social class or country of origin. He fought just as strongly for the rights of German and Italian Facist prisoners after the war as he did for all persecuted by the Germans and Italian Facists during the war. Not great literature, but the content is an inspiring lesson on how magnificent people CAN be in caring for their fellow humans. A striking contrast to the debates in the United States today about rejecting asylum seekers and calling them derogatory names. He quotes St. Paul "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." Truly a lesson for our time.
December 27, 2023
I'm not giving this 5 stars because of the writing - because to be honest - the writing wasn't the best. I'm giving this book 5 stars because of how much it inspired me. It showcased Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty's wartime efforts to save the lives of thousands of Allied POW's and civilians who were being targeted by the Nazi's. In addition, it explains the organization that grew out of his efforts and tells the story of the contributions of many people who stepped up to help others. As one example - it introduces us to Mrs. Henrietta Chevalier who opened her home and her heart to many of these POW's to her great risk. Look her up - she's quite the remarkable lady This book a huge impression on me.
March 16, 2024
Disappointing. Promised to be an interesting subject but a lack of narrative flow and structure ruined it for me, I'm afraid. Instead of building an absorbing and enlightening picture of the main character Hugh O'Flaherty and his activities, we are instead subjected to descriptions of a random series of incidents involving escaped prisoners of war and others, featuring a confusing range of nefarious characters, with O'Flaherty seemingly operating in the background. This may well have been the case in practice but it doesn't make for an illuminating portrayal of the main character. Having read the book, I don't feel I am much wiser about him or his motivation than I was beforehand, sadly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews