The Scarlet and the Black

My son and I just watched this movie. It was so good. I highly recommend it. 

Gregory Peck plays the role of Monsignor O'Flaherty during WWII, 1943.  He was a high ranking official in the Vatican who worked tirelessly to save the lives of many Jews and prisoners of war that came looking for refuge at the Vatican as they had heard it was a neutral place and could be safe there, though the Germans do not like this idea of Vatican neutrality and want control and the Jews and Prisoners of War turned over to them. Of course Vatican officials, including the Pope refuse to concede to their request. According to Wikepidia O'Flaherty saved the lives of 6,500 Jews and allied prisoners. As German officials continue to move in to Rome they come to realize what is going on, what he is doing and stay close on his trail trying to stop him. The Germans do have some success and find some of those he is helping to hide and unfortunately some lose their lives.

The movie stars, as I said Gregory Peck. He plays Monsignor O'Flaherty who uses many means and disguises to come and go from the Vatican because his life is in danger if he is found to leave the Vatican but he goes and he helps all the people he can. There are many others who help Monsignor O'Flaherty in this endeavor by risking their lives to hide and tunnel as many Jews and POW's as they can. 

The German leader, Herbert Kappler, is played by Christopher Plummer. An evil man who feels he is only obeying orders. He has a wife and two children who seem to be uninformed or choosing to be blind of what exactly is going on in Rome after they move there with him. They appear very wealthy and are enjoying their wealth despite what is happening around them.

What is very interesting about this movie is the importance that is placed on saving lives and our need for mercy even in the most trying circumstances because as you see toward the end when Kappler realizes Germany is losing and the British and the Americans will be coming to fight for Rome's freedom he needs to get his family out. He realizes he has lost control of Rome and where else does he go for help but Monsignor O"Flaherty.  O'Flaherty is very angry over the death of many of his friends and has to decide whether or not he is going to now help his enemy and save the lives of Kappler's wife and children.

Through an interesting turn of events, that only our Lord could have arranged Kappler is arrested and sentenced to life in prison for war crimes. For many years month after month he is visited by his old enemy and now friend, Monsignor O'Flaherty and after a time converts to Catholicism. 

What an amazing story. It is true that we are all made in the image of God and all are in the need of God's forgiveness. We are all sinners and the love and care shown by Father O'Flaherty to all, the Jews, the POWs and even the soldiers is truly how we should all be. 

In today's world our enemies are different. Germany is no longer the enemy. Nor any other country. Today there are others. There is terrorism. There are school shootings. There are attacks on the Catholic church, mandates and hateful speech toward our Holy Church but we too must walk in love for all and pray for the conversion of souls, remembering that our battle is not with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers. Prayer and love is what we need, just as Monsignor O'Flaherty used.

As a side note: according to wikepedia, Kappler is smuggled out of prison by his wife after a time. He apparently reached a weight of 105# and she sneaks him out in a suitcase and he dies at the age of 70.