Just before the onset of World War II, Pius XI summons an American Jesuit priest to help him prepare an encyclical denouncing racism and in particular anti- Semitism. The day prior to its official papal issue the pope suddenly dies, replaced by Pius XII. The nascent pope, however, has a much different way of responding to Nazi Germany.

This film highlights the debate over the Vatican’s role during the Holocaust as well as America’s positions in this respect. This is a very compelling film, leaving the audience to decide what really was the Vatican’s role and position.

Holy Silence premiered ahead of the imminent opening of the Secret Vatican Archives for 1939-1958; it provides historical context for 17 million pages of documents being released.