Pope Pius XII and Poland includes Church relations from 1939-1958. During the pontificate of Pope Pius XII, Poland experienced first the German occupation, and, following that, Soviet inspired persecution, especially in the Stalinist years 1946-1956. Pope Pius XII policies consisted in attempts to avoid World War II , extensive diplomatic activity on behalf of Poland and encouragement to the persecuted clergy and faithful. In Poland, Pius XII made "one of his most controversial decisions" regarding the reorganization of dioceses during World War II.