“Envisioning the future of Germany isn’t about what you can see with your eyes,” Pacelli interjected, his tone firm yet encouraging. “Use this time to hone your public-speaking skills. I shall ensure the press is present at your trial to grant you the notoriety we seek.”
“As you wish, Your Excellency,” Hitler responded, his voice filled with newfound resolve.
“Despite the considerable sway I hold in Munich, Adolf, it seems you will have to face some time behind bars,” Cardinal Pacelli expressed, his voice laced with regret yet firm in determination. “I have already negotiated with the presiding judge. You and Hess will serve your time at Landsberg Prison. There you will be granted the privilege of receiving visitors without question. I will visit you personally to give you your next directives.” Pacelli’s steady gaze comforted Hitler. “Do not let your heart be troubled, my friend. You are destined to be the Führer of the Third Reich.”
Hitler straightened his posture, his eyes gleaming with newfound determination. “Thank you, Your Excellency.”
“During your time in prison, Herr Hess will assist you in writing your manifesto. Its contents will springboard you into the public eye. Spare no detail. In this time of oppression brought about by the Treaty of Versailles, the public will cling to your manifesto as if it were the new Bible. Get this manuscript written quickly. Then I will orchestrate your release from prison.”
His instructions delivered, Cardinal Pacelli rose from his seat, a silent indication that their clandestine meeting had reached its conclusion. Hitler mirrored his actions, rising to follow the cardinal out of the secluded study.
With a sense of renewed purpose, Hitler left the residence and made his way directly to the police station to surrender himself.
26 February 1924
Tuesday
Munich, Germany
Adolf Hitler’s trial commenced on the 26th of February, 1924, a date that would be etched in the annals of history. As assured by Pacelli, the event was not just a trial but a spectacle, a grand stage meticulously covered by the press, the details of which were splashed across the front pages of the nation’s newspapers the very next day.
Hitler, known for his fiery rhetoric and anti-Semitic tirades, surprisingly tempered his tone. Guided by Pacelli’s strategic advice, he pivoted his defense, focusing not on his usual targets but on his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the German people and the necessity for audacious measures to rescue them from their plight.
Pacelli’s own influence over the local press was evident. Hitler’s defense speeches, carefully crafted and passionately delivered, were printed verbatim. This not only amplified his voice but also significantly boosted his popularity among the Munich populace, turning the tide in his favor.
28 February 1924
Munich, Germany
Adolf Hitler and Rudolf Hess were declared guilty of high treason, a verdict that led to a five-year sentence in the relatively lenient confines of Landsberg Prison. This was the most lenient punishment available for those perceived as honorable, albeit misguided. The prison was known for its comfortable cells and generous visiting privileges extended to its inmates, who could receive visitors on a daily basis. So it was that Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli visited Hitler and Hess to hear their confessions.
“Your Excellency, I am grateful for your visit,” Hitler expressed from the confines of the austere prison visitation room.
“Adolf, do not let this situation concern you. We will turn this setback into an advantage,” Pacelli replied, his voice steady and reassuring. “Dictate your struggles to Rudolf. They will serve as the foundation for the manifesto the German people crave. You have already caught the eye of numerous officials who are sympathetic to your plight and align with the principles of the Nazi Party.”
Hitler absorbed the cardinal’s directives with rapt attention—he understood the strategic advantage his prolonged incarceration could offer. The German populace, much like him, were shackled by the oppressive chains of the treaty. However, his circumstances were comparatively better. Unlike them he was guaranteed meals and decent living conditions, not to mention the luxury of daily visitation. Outside the prison walls, citizens grappled with food shortages and the relentless onslaught of hyperinflation. In this context, Hitler was in a favorable position to concentrate on crafting his manifesto, and thereby guide the beleaguered German people from their plight.
“I will continue talking with the judge to mitigate your sentence. Given his pro-Nazi leanings, I am confident I can orchestrate the desired outcome,” the cardinal assured.
“Thank you, Your Excellency.”
“Begin working on your manifesto. Once the German people read it, they will embrace you as one of their own.”
“Manifesto . . .” Hitler echoed the word, envisioning the waves of adulation from the German populace that would greet it.
Pacelli observed Hitler caught up in his self-indulgent reverie and vowed to make it a reality. Each German household would possess a copy of the manifesto. It would become the most sought-after book in Germany, perhaps the world, surpassing even the Bible.
“I may not be able to visit again in the immediate future. From here on, I will relay my instructions through Herr Hess.” Pacelli paused as he heard the guard’s footsteps nearing the door. “May you be blessed, Herr Hitler. Your sins have been forgiven.” He rose as the guard unlatched the door, indicating their time was at an end.
“Thank you for hearing my confession, Your Excellency.”
Hitler returned to his cell and explained Cardinal Pacelli’s directives to Rudolf Hess. Requesting a typewriter from the prison warden, the man destined to lead the Third Reich began to narrate his life’s tribulations, every word meticulously typed out by Cardinal Pacelli’s trusted confidant.
13 September 1924
Landsberg Prison
Munich, Germany
“How goes the progress on Hitler’s manifesto?” Pacelli questioned Rudolf Hess in the austere confines of the Landsberg Prison visitor cell. The cardinal was cautious to limit his visits, wary of arousing suspicion from the ever-watchful guards or their stern warden. His connections within the Munich community were extensive, and he had to be meticulous so as not to arouse suspicion and jeopardize these valuable ties.
“The dictation is a challenging affair, Your Excellency. I must constantly steer Adolf back on course, or else he veers off into one of his impassioned diatribes of rage.”
“Has he chosen a title for the book yet?”
“He refers to it as Four and a Half Years of Struggle against Lies, Stupidity, and Cowardice: A Reckoning. It’s quite long if you ask me.”
“You are correct in your assessment.” Pacelli paused, mulling over a more fitting title. “Advise him to truncate the title to simply My Struggle. That will be more palatable to the masses. We cannot risk alienating the German people with an overly complex title.”
“I will relay your suggestion to Adolf. I hope he will not object, once he learns it comes from your wise counsel, Your Excellency.”
“I will arrange for another meeting in the coming weeks. In the meantime, continue your dictation with the man who is destined to become the leader of the Third Reich.” Pacelli rose to his feet and extended his hand in a firm shake. “You are proving to be a most loyal servant, Herr Hess.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Rudolf said, bowing in deference to Cardinal Pacelli.
November 1924
Munich, Germany
