What Are The Consequences Of Monsignor O Flaherty

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In “Scarlet and the Black”, we are introduced to Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who lives in the Vatican during the occupation of Italy by the Nazis. Knowing the dangers of what he was doing, he showed courage and kept trying to save Allied troops who escaped prison camps to protect them from the wrath of the Nazi army. Throughout the course of the movie, we learn about Pope Pius and his view towards the occupation of the Nazis and the concerns he has for O’Flaherty, the risks taken by Monsignor, and the “Treasures of the Church”. From the very beginning of the movie, Pope Pius the Xll mostly complies with what the Nazis had to say. For example, when the Nazi officials come into the Pope’s office and ask if they could paint a white line marking …show more content…

O’Flaherty immediately took action by providing shelter for the soldiers. When more soldiers escaped camps and came seeking help from Monsignor, he began purchasing rooms for the prisoners to stay in. Including shelter, the soldiers received fake identification cards. When Colonel Kappler, head of the Italy campaign, caught onto what Monsignor O’Flaherty was doing, he wanted O’Flaherty to be arrested if he crossed the line. O’Flaherty went as far as dressing up as a Nun and as a German general to make it outside the Vatican safely just to save more soldiers. Despite nearly getting shot and killed multiple times, O’Flaherty beat all odds and continued to save prisoners. Monsignor O’Flaherty was willing to take the risks he took because he knew it was right, if he had the chance to save people, he would never pass up the opportunity. Towards the later part of the movie, Pope Pius Xll talks to O’Flaherty about the “treasures of the Church”. Originally, Pope Pius was talking about the physical wealth of the church like the paintings, and other valuable items. After seeing what O’Flaherty had done, Pope Pius told Hugh that it wasn’t just the physical wealth, but the spiritual wealth and the sacrifices made by the people of the church that makes up the “treasure of the