 The Reichskonkordat , signed on 20 July 1933 , between Germany and the Holy See , while thus a part of an overall Vatican policy , was controversial from its beginning . It remains the most important of Pacelli 's concordats . It is debated , not because of its content , which is still valid today , but because of its timing . A national concordat with Germany was one of Pacelli 's main objectives as secretary of state , because he had hoped to strengthen the legal position of the Church . Pacelli , who knew German conditions well , emphasized in particular protection for Catholic associations ( § 31 ) , freedom for education and Catholic schools , and freedom for publications . 
