The Pope Initiates a Review of the Concept of Just War; Trump Responds
On June 26, Pope Leo XIV will convene the cardinals at the Vatican for a closed-door review of approaches to the concept of “just war.” The pontiff’s initiative has already drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
The pontiff believes that the Vatican must finally revise its centuries-old doctrine of “just war.” This refers to conflicts that, in theory, even the Church could justify.
Incidentally, this doctrine has its roots in the teachings of St. Augustine in the 5th century and St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. In other words, such a move by Pope Leo could lead to radical changes that his predecessors did not dare to undertake.
“The concept of just war no longer applies… (the theory—ed.) was developed centuries ago, when no one could have imagined the weapons we have today, or humanity’s capacity for destruction,” the pontiff explained.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, head of the U.S. Archdiocese for Military Affairs, has already commented on the Pope’s move.
According to him, the head of the Vatican is “stepping on the gas” in a process that his predecessors began but were unable to complete.
This is not the first time the Vatican has publicly put itself at odds with the White House in an effort to stop wars.
For example, Leo previously rebuked U.S. President Donald Trump and his team when they launched a war against Iran.
At that time, the Pope stated that “the disciples of Christ have never been on the side of those who ‘once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.’” Vice President J.D. Vance responded to this rebuke. He warned that the pontiff needed to be “careful” with his theology.
However, the head of the Catholic Church’s decision to revise the doctrine of “just war” proves that he is not afraid of a new conflict with Trump and his team, writes Politico.
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