5:00 p.m. Reception  |  6:00 p.m. Presentation and Q&A  |  7:00 p.m. Book Signing

Join us as David I. Kertzer, PhD, presents The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in Europe, the gripping story of Pope Pius XI's secret relations with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This groundbreaking work, based on seven years of research in fascist collections and Vatican archives, including reports from Mussolini's spies inside the highest levels of the Church, forever changed our understanding of the Vatican's role in the rise of fascism in Europe.

In a challenge to the conventional history of this period, in which a heroic Church does battle with the Fascist regime, Kertzer shows how Pius XI played a crucial role in making Mussolini's dictatorship possible and keeping him in power. Stop by the Museum on September 17 to hear a lecture on the book from Kertzer at 6:00 pm, preceded by a reception at 5:00 p.m. and a Q&A session afterward at 7:00 p.m.

This program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Ensure your spot by RSVPing online or over the phone at 504-528-1944 x 412.

Can't make the lecture? Watch the event live.