ASK FR BITAJU | KAIROS GLOBAL | MARCH 2024

Author: Fr Bitaju

Q72. What is the Catholic view on war?

The Catholic Church has a well-developed and nuanced view on war, which is rooted in the principles of just war theory. The Church recognises that in certain circumstances, the use of force may be morally justified to defend the innocent, protect the common good, and restore justice. 

The Catechism outlines the principles of just war, emphasising that the decision to go to war must meet strict criteria (CCC 2309).  The following are the criteria: 

1. Just Cause: The reason for going to war must be to address a grave and certain threat to the rights and well-being of a nation or its people.  This includes self-defence against aggression or defence of innocent lives. 

2. Legitimate Authority: The decision to wage war must be made by a competent authority, such as a legitimate government or international body, and not by individuals or groups acting on their own.  

3. Right Intention: The intention behind going to war must be to restore justice and establish peace, rather than seeking revenge, power, or territorial gain.

4. Last Resort: All peaceful means of resolving the conflict must have been exhausted, and there must be a reasonable chance of success in achieving the desired outcome. 

5. Proportionality: The anticipated benefits of the war must outweigh the expected harm and destruction that will be caused.  The use of force must be proportionate to the objective being pursued. 

6. Probability of Success: There must be a reasonable chance of achieving the desired outcome, and the war should not be pursued if it is likely to result in disproportionate harm or failure. 

The Church also emphasises the importance of non-combatant immunity, which means that the deliberate targeting of civilians or non-combatants is always morally wrong. The principle of proportionality also applies to the conduct of war, requiring that the means and methods used in warfare be proportionate to the military objective and avoid unnecessary harm to civilians. 

The Catholic Church promotes the pursuit of peace and encourages the use of diplomatic and peaceful means to resolve conflicts whenever possible. It recognises the role of international organisations and agreements in promoting peace and justice on a global scale.  

It is clear from the above discussion that the view of the Catholic Church on war is guided by the principles of just war theory. Moreover, the Church emphasises the importance of non-combatant immunity and the pursuit of peace through diplomatic means whenever possible. 

You Cat 296 

Can someone be compelled to do something that is against his conscience?

No one may be compelled to act against his conscience, provided he acts within the limits of the common good. 

Anyone who overlooks the conscience of a person, ignores it and uses coercion, violates that person’s dignity. Practically nothing else makes man more human than the gift of being able personally to distinguish good from evil and to choose between them. This is so even if the decision, seen in an objective light, is wrong. Unless man’s conscience has been incorrectly formed, the inner voice speaks in agreement with what is generally reasonable, just, and good in God’s sigh