The Nazis were aware of a priest who was helping Jews and the wide network he had. It was later discovered that it was Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who was organizing the operations and the Nazis wanted him captured. However, they couldn’t cross the border to Vatican City as Pope Pius XII declared a neutral stance in the war and the city remained unoccupied. According to Ireland Calling, Nazi officers were ordered to kill O’Flaherty if they saw him cross outside the Vatican border. The Irish priest was aware of the threat on his life, but he continued his work within the Vatican’s walls. There were instances when he needed to go out, and during those times, he wore a disguise to keep himself safe. His ability to evade being captured by the Nazis earned him the nickname “The Scarlet Pimpernel of Vatican.”

Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty continued to help Jews and others who sought his help until the Allied forces finally took over Italy in 1944. In total, he was able to save the lives of more than 6,400 people via his secret operations, as reported by the Jewish Virtual Library. O’Flaherty’s heroism was recognized and he was awarded the U.S. Medal of Freedom as well as the Commander of the British Empire award. After suffering a stroke in 1960, he went back to Ireland and lived with his sister. He died in 1963 at 65 years old.