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

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. During the German occupation of Rome from 1942 to 1944, Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty devoted his time and energy to running an escape organisation for Allied POWs and civilians. By the time the Allies entered Rome, he had saved over 6000 lives. Brian Fleming describes the life of the man who became known as 'the Pimpernel of the Vatican'