Pope Leo XIV Denounces Violations of International Law and Calls for Support for Eastern Churches
Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the violations of international and humanitarian law, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The Pope expressed deep concern over the intense violence and its impact on civilians, highlighting the need for an end to the conflicts. He also emphasized the importance of supporting Eastern Churches facing religious persecution and war, praising the efforts of aid agencies. Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV urged Western Christians to reject misinformation and support the suffering Eastern churches, calling for prayer and witness.
10 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has strongly denounced the deterioration of international and humanitarian law, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine 1 3. He lamented the prevalence of the principle of "might makes right," where self-interest is pursued at the expense of justice and human dignity 1 3 4. The Pope expressed concern that the force of international law is being replaced by coercion, which he deemed unworthy of humanity and shameful for world leaders 1 3. He questioned the logic of believing that war leads to peace and criticized the betrayal of the world's desire for peace through the buildup of weapons 1.
The Pope highlighted the immense suffering of Eastern Churches, which are devastated by wars, plundered by special interests, and covered by a "cloud of hatred" 1 3 5. He acknowledged the historical oppression and misunderstanding faced by Eastern Catholic Churches within the Catholic community 1 3. Pope Leo emphasized the need to support these Churches, which are rich in faith but poor in means, offering them a "breath of oxygen" amidst conflict 1 5. He specifically mentioned the tragic situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Middle East, where war has caused immense devastation 1 3 4 5.
Pope Leo XIV cautioned against emotional manipulation and rhetoric, urging Christians to reject "fake news" that can lead to death and destruction 1 3 4. He emphasized the importance of prayer, urging believers to transform every tragic news story into a cry of intercession before God 1 3 5. The Pope called on Christians to be peacemakers and promoters of dialogue, remaining faithful to Jesus and avoiding the clutches of power 1 3 4. He encouraged them to imitate Christ, conquering evil with love and forgiveness, and to break free from the mindset of division and revenge 1.
The Pope expressed his desire for the "light of wisdom and salvation" found in Eastern traditions to be better known within the Catholic Church 1 4. He recalled St. John Paul II's call for the Church to "breathe with both lungs, the Eastern and the Western" 1 4. Pope Leo advocated for basic courses on Eastern Churches in seminaries, theological faculties, and Catholic universities 1 4. He noted that Eastern Catholics are no longer distant cousins but "our brothers and sisters who, due to forced migration, are our next-door neighbors" 1 4 6. He emphasized that their sense of the sacred, deep faith, and spirituality can benefit the West's thirst for God 1 4.
The Church defines just war and legitimate authority.
The Catholic Church addresses the concepts of just war and legitimate authority in its teachings.
The Catholic Church acknowledges that war involves lethal force, resulting in loss of life for soldiers and innocent civilians, destruction, and hardship . While encouraging peace, the Church recognizes that governments have a right to self-defense against unjust aggression to protect the common good and innocent life . This aligns with the Christian tradition of just war theory, which seeks to limit war and govern its conduct .
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration . These conditions include :
These elements are part of the "just war" doctrine, and their evaluation falls under the prudential judgment of those responsible for the common good .
A war of aggression is intrinsically immoral . However, a State that has been attacked has the right and duty to organize a defense using the force of arms . The use of force must meet strict conditions to be considered licit :
The possession of war potential does not justify using force for political or military objectives .
To wage a just war, there must be a just cause, meaning the war opposes a great evil that cannot be effectively opposed by any other means . It should be an act of self-defense, not aggression . The decision to go to war should be a last resort after exhausting all other political, economic, and diplomatic means . A legitimate ruler must wage it, authorized by international law or mandate, with a fair degree of popular support . There must be a reasonable prospect of success without causing more harm than the opposed evil . The intentions of those fighting must be upright, acting for the stated cause, not for strategic or economic gain . Only legitimate means should be used, distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants, not targeting the population, and avoiding weapons of mass destruction .
Authority should be guided by moral law, deriving its dignity from being exercised within the moral order, which has God as its source and end . Authority cannot be a power determined solely by sociological or historical criteria . It derives its power to impose obligations and its moral legitimacy from the moral order, not from arbitrary will or thirst for power, and it translates this order into concrete actions to achieve the common good .
Authority is legitimately exercised when it seeks the common good and employs morally licit means . Unjust laws or measures contrary to the moral order are not binding in conscience, and in such cases, authority breaks down . Respect for human rights is intrinsic to legitimate authority . These rights, which precede society, must be recognized; flouting them undermines the moral legitimacy of authority . Without respect for these rights, authority can only rely on force or violence to obtain obedience .
The authority of the Church is the right and power of the Pope and Bishops, as successors of the Apostles, to teach and govern the faithful . The Church's teaching authority is guaranteed by Christ's promise that His Spirit would guide it to all truth . The Church's authority is not derived from the faithful but communicated from a Divine source . The Church approves all forms of civil government consonant with justice .
In summary, the Church defines just war as a means of legitimate self-defense under strict moral conditions, emphasizing the protection of innocent life and the pursuit of peace . Legitimate authority is rooted in the moral order, seeking the common good and respecting human rights, with the Church's authority being divinely instituted for teaching and governance .