Pope prays for peace at abbey with WWII link to NZ

The Pope made a private visit to the abbey on July 20 and “paused to pray at the tomb of St Benedict, entrusting to him his plea for peace in those regions of the world marked by bloodshed and conflict”, according to a statement from the Holy See press office.

He then had lunch with the religious community and, afterwards, returned to Castel Gandolfo, where he is currently spending his summer break until July 27.

The Abbey of Montecassino is about a two-hour drive from Rome and was the first monastery of the Benedictine order, founded by the saint himself in 529.

According to the NZ History website, the success of German forces in resisting the Allied offensive along the Gustav Line prompted the Allies to switch their focus to the Liri Valley, which led directly to Rome. The abbey overlooks the entrance to the valley.

“Temporarily heading a New Zealand Corps (a unit which included the New Zealand Division and the 4th Indian Division), Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg . . . steeled himself and his forces for the battle ahead. Desperate to minimise casualties, he requested a massive bombardment of the German defences to precede the assault by his troops.

“As this included the historic monastery, the decision needed direct approval by the Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean, General Sir Harold Alexander. The subsequent aerial bombardment on February 15 laid waste the monastery and its environs,” the NZ history website stated.

“Controversy about this decision would persist long after the war was over. Tragically for the waiting New Zealand soldiers, most of the German defenders survived and exploited the ruins of the town and monastery to create an even more formidable set of defences.”

After a brutal battle, in early April the New Zealand Division withdrew from the Cassino area, having suffered 343 deaths and more than 600 wounded. The 28th Māori Battalion suffered heavy casualties in the battle. Cassino finally fell in May 1944 to British and Polish troops, with support from New Zealand artillery. Allied forces entered Rome on June 4, 1944.

Rebuilt after the Second World War with funding from the Italian government, the abbey was rededicated by St Paul VI in 1964. Today, a small Benedictine community remains in the abbey, which welcomes pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

FULL STORY

Pope Leo prays for peace at Montecassino Abbey (Vatican News)

Cassino (NZ History)

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