May 3, 2026 - "The Just War Doctrine"

2307 The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life. Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to action so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of war 

 

2308 All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war. However, “as long as the danger of war persists and there is no international authority with the necessary competence and power, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed.” 

 

2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time: 

 

· the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain; 

· all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective; 

· there must be serious prospects of success; 

· the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition. 

 

These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the “just war” doctrine. The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good. 

 

2310 Public authorities, in this case, have the right and duty to impose on citizens the obligations necessary for national defense. Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duty honorably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace. 

 

2311 . Public authorities should make equitable provisions for those who for reasons of conscience refuse to bear arms; these are nonetheless obliged to serve the human community in some other way.

 

2312 The Church and human reason both assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflict. “The mere fact that war has regrettably broken out does not mean that everything becomes licit between the warring parties.” 

 

I would invite anyone who wants to study this topic thoroughly to read paragraphs 2302-2317 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  It is important we go to reliable sources for information on what the Church teaches.  The USCCB website has an online version of the Catechism, which could be helpful for people who don’t own a paper copy. 

 

Until next week, 

Fr. John