Pope's Strong Stance on War Ethics
Pope Leo XIV declared during his flight to Spain that the ongoing war in Iran does not qualify as a "just war" according to Catholic teaching. "I believe it has been already declared clearly," he stated, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. His statement responds to U.S. Vice President JD Vance's April remarks justifying the war using just war theory, which the Pope criticized as outdated and misused to justify unnecessary violence.
Historical Context of 'Just War' Theory
The Pope's comments reflect a significant departure from traditional interpretations of just war theory, which has been used for centuries to rationalize military actions. Leo pointed out that the theory does not account for modern warfare's devastating capabilities, stating, "The problem is that the just war theory comes from centuries past when we couldn't imagine the weapons, human beings' ability for destruction." His encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas" states that just war theory has "too often been used to justify any kind of war" and is "now outdated," urging instead "dialogue, diplomacy and forgiveness."
Spain's Political Landscape
Pope Leo's visit to Spain marks his first trip to an EU country outside Italy in over 15 years. Upon his arrival, he praised Spain's commitment to peace and international law. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government has also opposed the Iran war, and the BBC source notes this "may have been on Leo's mind" during his address. Sanchez's government has faced backlash from the Trump administration for its refusal to support military action in Iran and its humanitarian approach towards immigration.
Addressing the Youth
At a gathering in Madrid's Plaza de Lima, an estimated 500,000 people, many of them young, attended to see the Pope. He encouraged the youth to reject divisive narratives that foster polarization, stating, "Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarization seems to have grown rather than diminished." Leo expressed pleasure about reports of renewed interest in spirituality among young Spaniards. The NBC source quotes him: "Young people that are looking for something more...realize there's an emptiness, and a lack of a sense of meaning."
Historic Parliamentary Address
One of the highlights of Pope Leo's visit will be his unprecedented speech to both chambers of the Spanish Parliament, a first for any pope. This speech comes at a crucial time for Sanchez's government, which is grappling with corruption scandals and political pressures. The Pope's message is expected to resonate deeply within a legislature marked by significant polarization, particularly around issues such as immigration and social justice.
Acknowledging Past Abuses
The Pope has also committed to addressing the ongoing issues of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church during his visit. He described these abuses as "an open wound" for the Church and will meet with victims to offer support and acknowledgment of the harm caused. This focus highlights the Church's struggle with its credibility in Spain, where only about 19% of Catholics regularly attend Mass, according to recent surveys.
Conclusion: A Call for Unity
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain is not just a diplomatic engagement but a moral call for unity and healing amid global conflicts and domestic challenges. His strong stance against the war in Iran and emphasis on peace, coupled with his outreach to the youth, aims to inspire a generation that seeks to navigate the complexities of modern society. As the Pope concludes his visit in the Canary Islands, he will honor the victims of migration, reinforcing his commitment to humanitarian values and solidarity in a world rife with division.
