Pope Pius XII (Cardinal Cushing)  Pope Pius XII is a 1959 biography of Pope Pius XII by Cardinal Richard Cushing. Although it was Cushing's only book, it is of some literary value because it presents alternative historiographical perspectives on the late pontiff, who has been sharply criticized by other writers. It is an almost hagiographic biography, written shortly after the death of Pacelli. Cushing depicted him as the "Pope of Peace", who, armed only with the spiritual weapons of his office triumphed over insidious attacks, that seemed about to destroy the center of Christendom. Nations, paid him respect and the faithful, throughout the world, were inspired to resist the disintegration forces, that were working for the collapse of worldly empires. As a person, Pius XII was a simple but true priest, a pastor, selflessly dedicated to the highest interests of the Church and the greater glory of God. After this publication, Cushing abstained from publishing any further books. The book continues to have value, however, because it contains a large appendix with detailed explanations of all Vatican offices and Curia congregations, and legal entities of the Vatican, many of which do not exist anymore. Others have new names. Therefore, the Cushing book provides an encyclopedic introduction into the Vatican, as it existed before Vatican II. This is relevant, because many papal documents before 1958 refer to these entities and congregations.