War
Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 3.3.10
Are Catholics Wholly Pacifist?
Catholic Social Teaching includes many examples on the subject of justice and peace:
Pope John XXIII
- In 1963, Pope John XXIII wrote the encyclical (a letter sent by the Pope to the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church) Pacem in Terris.
- It starts with the words, “Peace on earth...cannot be firmly established unless the order which God laid down is dutifully observed.”
- Pope John also spoke out against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Pope Paul VI
- In 1967, Pope Paul VI said in his encyclical Populorum Progressio that promoting mutual solidarity and social justice are moral duties.
Pope Francis
- Pope Francis said that peace firstly means there are no wars, but it also means that every day a step ahead is made for justice. (Audience with children of the Peace Factory 2015.)
Catholic Just War Theory
- However, the Catholic Church is not a wholly pacifist religion and supports a Just War Theory. Some of the requirements for this theory were taught by Thomas Aquinas in the 13th Century:
- The war must be waged by a legitimate authority.
- It must be a last resort.
- It must be for a good purpose (e.g. justice and greater peace).
- It must be conducted in the right way, avoiding civilian casualties.
Test yourself on War
What theory is supported by the Catholic Church?
What's the encyclical called that Pope John XXIII wrote in 1963?
What did Pope Paul VI say were moral duties in his encyclical Populorum Progressio?