Pope Benedict has called the Nazi death camps of World War Two an example of hell on Earth.
Benedict told pilgrims outside his summer retreat near Rome Sunday that the death camps were symbols of extreme evil. The pope said this is what happens when men take over the right to decide life and death from God.
Benedict's remarks came as he remembered two Catholic saints who were murdered by the Nazis.
The German-born Benedict was a member of the Hitler Youth, which was mandatory for all young men during Nazi rule. But his family despised the Nazis and Benedict avoided any pro-Nazi activities.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.