Conference questions ‘Just War’ theory

Pope Francis sent a message on Monday to a conference being held in Rome to explore  the Catholic commitment to non-violence and the promotion of a just peace, writes Philippa Hitchen.

Organised jointly by the Catholic peace network, Pax Christi International, and the Vatican’s Justice and Peace Council, the three-day meeting brought together some 80 theologians and peace activists from many conflict zones, including Iraq, Syria, South Sudan, Colombia and the Philippines. Its goal, according to Pax Christi co-president Marie Dennis, was to explore ways in which positive experiences of non-violent activism can shape theological thinking and Catholic teaching in schools, universities, seminaries and parishes.

In his message, the Pope praised the initiative during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. While he recalled the Vatican II document Gaudium et Spes saying “governments cannot be denied the right to legitimate defence once every means of peaceful settlement has been exhausted”, Marie Dennis said many believe this “Just War” teaching has since been “abused” by political leaders.