The Vatican Pimpernel: The Wartime Exploits of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty

By Brian Fleming

During the German occupation of Rome from 1942 to 1944, Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty ran an escape organisation 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'. Kappler, the Gestapo chief in Rome, ordered him captured or killed. When the Allies entered Rome, Monsignor O'Flaherty and his colleagues had saved over 6,500 lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Collins Press
• Release date: Mar 3, 2010
• ISBN: 9781848890558

Reviews for The Vatican Pimpernel

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book made me cry. The fact that he is so under-recognised in Ireland is a crying shame and the fact that the man had a big enough heart to visit his chief tormenter, a man who would have willingly tortured him. He is a shining example of a good christian.I had known of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty from The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican and the Scarlet and the Black starring Gregory Peck. He tried his best to save as many people as possible from unjust persecution in Rome during both the days of Mussolini and the later German Occupation, and in doing so incured the wrath of many. A very unassuming man he was surprised by the awards he received and felt that he only did his duty.I would recommend reading the Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican as well as this one for other portions of the story, both of them do cover some of the same ground but they both have different slants and opinions about issues. Fleming's advantage is a distance of years, Gallagher's the ability to interview many of the main players.As Brian Fleming was a member of the Oireachtas he would have had opportunity to ensure that this man was celebrated for his actions. Even though he's no longer a member, he has the connections to make this happen. Though I wouldn't mind myself being celebrated with a grove of trees and a poem by Brendan Kennelly. Maybe it would have been what Monsignor O'Flaherty would have liked himself.