Vatican defends UN-mandated military action against IS

The Vatican’s representative at the United Nations in Geneva has defended the use of force against the Islamic State movement in the Middle East, provided it follows a UN mandate and is backed by Muslim countries.

“We have to stop this kind of genocide – otherwise, we’ll be crying out in future about why we didn’t do something, and why we allowed such a terrible tragedy,” said Archbishop Silvano Tomasi. “What’s needed is a co-ordinated and well thought-out coalition to do everything possible to achieve a political settlement without violence. If that’s not possible, then the use of force will be necessary.”

The 74-year-old Italian diplomat was speaking as a resolution was tabled at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, condemning attacks on Christians and other religious minorities in the region. In an interview with the US Catholic Crux website, Archbishop Tomasi said an anti-IS coalition should include Muslim states, rather than reflecting a “Western approach”, and have its military strategy mandated by the UN. He welcomed the latest UN resolution, tabled by Russia and Lebanon, urging “better protection” for Christians in the Middle East.