13. The Ratlines

"White Smoke, Episode 13: Ratlines" examines the troubling post-World War II period when certain Vatican officials helped Nazi war criminals escape justice. The episode focuses on key figures like Bishop Alois Hudal and Croatian priest Krunoslav Draganović, who provided fugitives including Adolf Eichmann, Josef Mengele, and Klaus Barbie with false documents and escape routes to South America.

Their motivations ranged from ideological sympathy to anti-communism. While not official Vatican policy, these "ratlines" operated within Church networks and resources. The episode explores how elements within an institution founded on moral principles became entangled in activities that contradicted its own teachings and obstructed justice.

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WHITE SMOKE: The Path to A New Pope explores humanity's most elaborate and secretive transfer of power - a process now unfolding following the death of Pope Francis.


This series reveals the hidden rituals, ancient traditions, and behind-the-scenes drama of papal transition. As the Catholic world enters this solemn period of mourning and anticipation, join us in witnessing how the Church has perfected this sacred process over two thousand years, and what happens in these crucial days when the throne of Saint Peter stands empty.

White Smoke brings listeners inside the conclave that will determine who will succeed Pope Francis and lead the Church into its next chapter.

• No. of episodes: 35
• Latest episode: 2025-05-03
• Religion & Spirituality Society & Culture Documentary Christianity

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