A Special Mission: Hitler's Secret Plot to Seize the Vatican and Kidnap Pope Pius XII by Dan Kurzman. Da Capo Press, 320 pages. Softcover. When Hitler learned in September 1943 that his ally and friend Mussolini had been toppled from power in Italy, he flew into a rage. He ordered German troops into Rome and outlined "a special mission" to SS General Karl Wolff, who had been Heinrich Himmler's chief aide. The mission: to seize the Vatican and kidnap Pope Pius XII. Pick-up is in Saanich close to the Monkey Tree and ICBC plaza off McKenzie Ave (McKenzie/Borden St.). Cross-posted. Thanks for looking!