![The Pope almost became head of state in Liechtenstein in 1916.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/Papst-FL-Titel-300x225.jpg)
The plot to kidnap the Pope and take him to Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein featured in two 20th century conflicts involving the Vatican. The first was when there was a plan to give the Pope dominion over the Principality. The second was when there was a plot to kidnap the Pope and take him to Liechtenstein.
![The conquest of Rome of 1870. Painting by Carlo Ademollo, 1880.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/eroberung-von-rom-1870-300x159.jpg)
![Matthias Erzberger wanted to give Liechtenstein to the Pope.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/erzberger-240x300.jpg)
![Vaduz Castle on a Swiss postcard from the 1930s.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/Schloss-Vaduz-Postkarte-300x206.jpg)
![Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein, 1928.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/johann-ii-214x300.jpg)
![Pope Benedict XV on a picture of 1915.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/papst-benedikt-xv-214x300.jpg)
Hitler wanted to kidnap the Pope
![According to the Volksblatt article, furniture for the Pope was already being transported to Liechtenstein.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/liechtensteiner-volksblatt-207x300.jpg)
![Karl Wolff, the senior SS leader in Italy, in a 1937 photograph.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/03/Wolff-neu-242x300.jpg)
![The Vatican Library: replete with treasures coveted by the Nazis.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/vatikan-bibliothek-300x166.jpg)