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Pope Talks About Life Under Nazis

Benedict XVI calls it a 'dark time'

By Mark Russell, Newser Staff

Posted May 29, 2011 5:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – German-born Pope Benedict XVI rarely talks about when he was conscripted into the Hitler Youth as a teen. But yesterday, in an audience with a German Catholic group, Benedict made a rare mention of life under the Nazis, calling it a "dark time," reports the AP. "It looked like the continent was in the hands of this power, which put the future of Christianity in doubt," said the pope. The 84-year-old Benedict was forced to join the Hitler Youth in 1941, a time "already marked by war," said the pope, when the Nazis "had already subjugated" much of Europe.

Pope Benedict XVI recites the rosary prayer, at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome Thursday, May 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing as he recites the rosary prayer, at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome Thursday, May 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

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Pope Talks About Life Under Nazis

Benedict XVI calls it a 'dark time'

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Pope Benedict XVI • Catholic Church • Germany • Hitler youth • World War II • Roman Catholicism • Nazis • Nazi Germany

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