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US bishops' doctrine chairman issues clarification on just war theory (USCCB)
Posted on 04/16/2026 04:04 AM (CatholicCulture.org - Catholic World News)
“For over a thousand years, the Catholic Church has taught just war theory and it is that long tradition the Holy Father carefully references in his comments on war,” said Auxiliary Bishop James Massa of Brooklyn. “A constant tenet of that thousand-year tradition is a nation can only legitimately take up the sword ‘in self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2308).”
Bishop Massa explained, “That is, to be a just war it must be a defense against another who actively wages war, which is what the Holy Father actually said: ‘He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.’”
“When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ,” Bishop Massa added. “The consistent teaching of the Church is insistent that all people of good will must pray and work toward lasting peace while avoiding the evils and injustices that accompany all wars.”
Vatican spokesman: It is increasingly difficult to claim that a just war exists (Vatican News)
Posted on 04/16/2026 04:04 AM (CatholicCulture.org - Catholic World News)
“This teaching has gradually been enriched and deepened, to the point of recognizing how increasingly difficult it is to claim that a ‘just war’ exists,” said Andrea Tornielli, editorial director of the Dicastery for Communication. He added:
Reflections based on the theology of past centuries and possible justifications for war fail to take into account that when theologians of earlier times wrote about these issues, wars were fought with swords and clubs—not with deadly weapons and machine-guided drones, a reality that raises moral questions of dramatic intensity. There has been a growing awareness that war is not a path to be followed.
Apr. 16 Thursday of the Second Week of Easter, Weekday
Posted on 04/16/2026 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)
Lawmaker Calls for Allowing Crucifix Symbol on Veterans’ Headstones
Posted on 04/15/2026 23:00 PM (The Daily Register)
PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV Continues Papal Trip in Algeria, Cameroon
Posted on 04/15/2026 22:17 PM (The Daily Register)
Historic Wisconsin Parish Loses Roof During Severe Weather Outbreak
Posted on 04/15/2026 21:59 PM (The Daily Register)
Nearly 500 Leaders Will Gather in Washington, D.C., to Read the Entire Bible Aloud
Posted on 04/15/2026 21:57 PM (The Daily Register)
Pope Leo XIV to Orphaned Children in Cameroon: ‘God Is Present’
Posted on 04/15/2026 21:49 PM (The Daily Register)
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Posted on 04/15/2026 20:10 PM (The Daily Register)
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Posted on 04/15/2026 20:08 PM (The Daily Register)