Mussolini Wanted Hitler Excommunicated

Though Benito Mussolini always publicly acted as an ally to Adolf Hitler, recent documents made available by the Vatican show a different side to the relationship. Apparently, in April 1938, Mussolini approached Holy See representative Pietro Tacchi Venturi with the suggestion that the Vatican take a strong stance against Hitler and possibly excommunicate him. (Hitler was baptized Catholic as a young boy but didn't practice the religion.) Venturi discussed the possibility with the Pope but it is unclear what response was made.