It seems that Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany (now Pope Benedict XVI) joined the Hitler Youth in 1941 and later served in a German anti-aircraft battery during WWII. He also helped build anti-tank barriers along the Austrian-German border before deserting in 1945.
Very interesting.
Although his service appears to have been compulsory, how often do you get to see a Pope who's been in the Hitler Youth? That's quite a combination.
Originally posted by rwingettAppears to have been compulsory? Make up your mind.
It seems that Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany (now Pope Benedict XVI) joined the Hitler Youth in 1941 and later served in a German anti-aircraft battery during WWII. He also helped build anti-tank barriers along the Austrian-German border before deserting in 1945.
Very interesting.
Although his service appears to have been compulsory, how often do you get to see a Pope who's been in the Hitler Youth? That's quite a combination.
Originally posted by rwingettAs I recall, Hitler was raised Catholic. And isn't today Hitler's birthday? April 20th, 21st, something close to that.
It seems that Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany (now Pope Benedict XVI) joined the Hitler Youth in 1941 and later served in a German anti-aircraft battery during WWII. He also helped build anti-tank barriers along the Austrian-German border before deserting in 1945.
Very interesting.
Although his service appears to have been compulsory, how often do you get to see a Pope who's been in the Hitler Youth? That's quite a combination.
Originally posted by rwingettIt was compulsory - in which case the 14 year old had no choice but to join the Hitler Youth. Or it was not compulsory.
What do you mean, "make up my mind"? It appears that his service was compulsory. What part of that do you not understand?
Appears is a weasel word. Get off the fence and tell us if it was compulsory or not.
Originally posted by steerpikeService in the Hitler Youth was compulsory. But many people joined voluntarily and had no need of compulsion. When I say his service "appears to have been compulsory", I was referring to his motivation. I was generally giving him the benefit of the doubt by assuming he did not join voluntarily, and had, in fact, been compelled to do so.
It was compulsory - in which case the 14 year old had no choice but to join the Hitler Youth. Or it was not compulsory.
[b]Appears is a weasel word. Get off the fence and tell us if it was compulsory or not.
[/b]
So I stand by my statement that his service in the Hitler Youth "appears to have been compulsory."
Originally posted by rwingettA pope who'd joined the SS - now THAT would be interesting.
It seems that Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany (now Pope Benedict XVI) joined the Hitler Youth in 1941 and later served in a German anti-aircraft battery during WWII. He also helped build anti-tank barriers along the Austrian-German border before deserting in 1945.
Very interesting.
Although his service appears to have been compulsory, how often do you get to see a Pope who's been in the Hitler Youth? That's quite a combination.
Originally posted by rwingetti believe he is not the first nazi connected pope.
It seems that Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany (now Pope Benedict XVI) joined the Hitler Youth in 1941 and later served in a German anti-aircraft battery during WWII. He also helped build anti-tank barriers along the Austrian-German border before deserting in 1945.
Very interesting.
Although his service appears to have been compulsory, how often do you get to see a Pope who's been in the Hitler Youth? That's quite a combination.