The President of BAS, Corr. Memb. Evelina Slavcheva, and the Vice-President Prof. Emmanuel Moutafov attended the academic lecture by Prof. Kiril Kartalov entitled “Pius XII and the Jewish Question.” The topic is completely innovative for specialized Bulgarian literature and to a large extent for world literature as well as it is based on Vatican archives access to which has only be permitted since 2020. Prof. Kartalov examines one of the most significant and controversial topics in papal diplomacy in his book, explaining the Holy See’s position on the Jewish question during the Holocaust and attempting to interpret the so-called silence of Pius XII. The lecture was held as part of the competition for the academic position of professor for Kiril Kartalov.
Prof. Kartalov’s research covers two global topics – the Jewish question and the Vatican and papal diplomacy, said Prof. Rumyana Christidi who is part of the scientific jury in the competition. According to Prof. Vesselin Petrov from the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of BAS, the lecture is in line with established tradition, but shows only part of the collected scientific research within the competition. The Vice-President of BAS, Prof. Moutafov, congratulated Prof. Kartalov and added that the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was open to cooperation with the Vatican.
According to the President of BAS, Corr. Memb. Evelina Slavcheva, one of the characteristic features of Prof. Kartalov is his captivating presentation during his lectures. He has his own scientific theme which is unique, and I hope that he will have followers, the President added.
