The White Line of Vatican City

Some nations in the world are divided by unique borders. The Netherlands and Belgium are divided by a line of green cobblestones with white crosses. North and South Korea have the most heavily fortified border in the world. Vatican City for a time had a border made of chalk.

Amid the tumultuous era of World War II, Vatican City stood as a beacon of hope and resilience. Within its hallowed walls, a hidden symbol of the Roman Catholic Church, known as the White Line, silently bore witness to the turbulent events unfolding outside. In this article, we explore the origins, history, and profound significance of the White Line during one of humanity's darkest chapters.

World War II:

During World War II, Vatican City, under the leadership of Pope Pius XII, found itself at the center of one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. The Vatican, as a neutral sovereign entity, played a unique role during the war, navigating the delicate balance between political pressures and its moral obligations as the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Vatican City declared its neutrality at the outbreak of the war in accordance with the Lateran Treaty, emphasizing its commitment to peace and its desire to remain outside the conflict. Pope Pius XII sought to maintain diplomatic relations with various warring nations, aiming to leverage his position as a neutral mediator for the greater good. During this time, Herbert Kappler the Gestapo's commander of Rome had a white line drawn around the boundary of the Vatican, acting as its de-facto border. Lieutenant Colonel Kappler rightly believed that the Vatican was secretly helping escaped POWs and others hide from the Nazis, both within and outside the Vatican border. Kappler pledged that there would be dire consequences for any “aid” given, outside of the “white line.”

Despite the terms of the treaty (and the warnings), throughout the war, the Vatican and Pope Pius XII were actively engaged in humanitarian efforts. The Holy See established charitable organizations to aid those affected by the conflict, including refugees, prisoners of war, and victims of oppression. Pope Pius XII urged Catholic institutions and individuals to extend their help to those in need, calling for acts of charity, mercy, and compassion.

One of the more controversial aspects of the Vatican's actions during World War II relates to its response to the plight of Jewish people. Numerous Jewish individuals and families found refuge within Vatican City and were hidden in monasteries and other Church properties, thanks to the efforts of both the Pope and Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty. Along with Jews, numerous allied service members sought sanctuary as well. O'Flaherty’s work earned him the wrath of Kappler who later had a bounty put on his head. However, after the war, while Kappler served a lifetime prison sentence, O’Flaherty began corresponding and visiting with Kappler. This relationship led to Kappler’s conversion to Catholicism, in 1959.

While the white line has long since disappeared, it testifies to a tumultuous time in both Catholic church and world history where perseverance and bravery made all the difference. The Vatican's role during World War II was complex and multifaceted. The Holy See and Pope Pius XII sought to navigate the challenging circumstances of the war while upholding the principles of neutrality, humanitarianism, and moral responsibility.