What role did the Catholic Church play during one of the most turbulent periods in modern history? And how did it navigate the rise of fascism, Nazism, communism, and the unprecedented devastation of two world wars?
In this episode of The Aguilar Conversations: A Global Perspective, historian Ambrogio Caiani joins Aguilar to discuss his book, Flirting with Evil: The Catholic Church in the Time of Total War and Globalization. Together, they examine the Vatican's complex relationship with authoritarian regimes, the moral and political dilemmas faced by Church leaders, and the global transformation of Catholicism during the twentieth century.
Drawing on extensive historical research, Professor Caiani explores the Church's struggle to balance diplomacy, institutional survival, and moral responsibility amid the rise of totalitarianism and global conflict. The conversation also considers how these historical choices continue to shape debates about religion, politics, and international affairs today.
Whether you're interested in history, religion, political thought, or global affairs, this episode offers a compelling look at one of the most consequential—and controversial—chapters in the history of the modern Catholic Church.
