Adolf Kardinal Bertram

Adolf Cardinal Bertram (1859-1945) is one of the most important but also most controversial church leaders in the first half of the 20th century. Many post-war historians accuse him of having pursued a policy of conformity and thus indirectly becoming a supporter of the Nazi regime. Johannes Gottwald presents the first complete biography of Bertram. It not only takes a look at Bertram's political behaviour, but also pays tribute to his merits as a church historian, religious writer and pastor. Gottwald makes it clear that Bertram was not a comfortable yes-man and opportunist, but had a high view of his priesthood and took his moral guardian role as a bishop seriously. Although he refrained from loud protests, he instead waged a tenacious defensive struggle behind the scenes, supported numerous Jews and stood up for the persecuted Church in Poland.