Germany had issues with Catholics long before III Reich. Check the Kulturkampf under Bismarck - it had a stong national element, as Catholicism was tied to Pole

Germany had issues with Catholics long before III Reich. Check the Kulturkampf under Bismarck - it had a stong national element, as Catholicism was tied to Poles, and Poles and their interest in Silesia weren't exactly liked by German authoroties.