Pope Leo XIV called for complete adherence to humanitarian law in Gaza. The Pope emphasized the need to protect civilians and ensure their access to essential resources. He expressed concern over the ongoing violence and its impact on the population. The Pope's statement reflects the Vatican's stance on the conflict.
5 months ago
Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and full respect for humanitarian law in Gaza 2 3. Speaking from the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, the Pope highlighted the "very grave humanitarian situation" in the enclave, noting that the civilian population is "crushed by hunger and remains exposed to violence and death" 2 3. This urgent call comes approximately 10 days after an Israeli strike resulted in the deaths of three people at the only Catholic church in Gaza 2 3.
Beyond Gaza, Pope Leo XIV extended his message to all global conflicts, urging parties to recognize the "God-given dignity of every person" and to "put an end to all actions contrary to it" 2 3. He specifically voiced concern over escalating violence in southern Syria and territorial disputes leading to clashes between Cambodia and Thailand 2 3. The Pope's remarks were delivered after leading the Angelus prayer, during which he reflected on the Gospel's teaching of the Our Father and the characteristics of God's fatherhood 2 3.
During his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of prayer and charity, stating that believers should "feel loved and to love as God loves us: with openness, discretion, mutual concern, and without deceit" 2 3. He also reminded the faithful that God "never turns his back on us" and always listens to prayers, even if responses are sometimes difficult to understand 2 3. Following the prayer, the Pope greeted various groups, including participants in the EWTN Summer Academy and acknowledged the Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2 3. He also extended greetings to young people preparing for the Jubilee of Youth, hoping it would be an occasion to encounter Christ and strengthen their faith 2 3.
How does the Church define just war and peace?
The Catholic Church defines "just war" through a set of strict conditions that must be met for military force to be morally legitimate, and it defines "peace" as more than merely the absence of war, but as "the tranquility of order" and the fruit of justice and charity .
The concept of a "just war" (bellum iustum) has been part of Christian tradition for most of its history, aiming to limit the outbreak of war and govern its conduct . The Church acknowledges that governments have a right to lawful self-defense to protect the common good and innocent life against unjust aggression . However, a war of aggression is considered intrinsically immoral .
For a war to be considered just, three main conditions, traditionally enumerated by St. Thomas Aquinas and reiterated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, must be met:
In addition to these, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other documents outline further strict conditions for the moral legitimacy of using military force, especially given the destructive power of modern weaponry:
The evaluation of these conditions belongs to the prudential judgment of those responsible for the common good . While the Church recognizes the legitimacy of just war teaching, it emphasizes the need to avoid war and promote peace, acknowledging the immense cost of war and its harm to human life . Pope Francis has noted that it is "very difficult nowadays to invoke the rational criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to speak of the possibility of a 'just war'" due to the uncontrollable destructive power of modern weapons .
The Church's understanding of peace extends beyond the mere absence of conflict. Peace is defined as:
The Church consistently calls for efforts to prevent conflicts, resolve them peacefully, and promote reconstruction and reconciliation after conflicts . It emphasizes patient diplomacy, active promotion of justice, solidarity, integral human development, and respect for the dignity of all people as primary means to achieve peace .