‘War is never a necessity,’ says Pope
September 08, 2014
Recalling that Pope Benedict XV had referred to World War I as a “senseless slaughter,” Pope Francis lamented the “many senseless slaughters” that afflict the world today.
In a message for an interreligious peace gathering, dated August 26 and made public by the Holy See Press Office on September 8, Pope Francis wrote that various religious traditions can “make a specific contribution to peace” through “the power of prayer.”
“All of us have come to realize that prayer and dialogue are profoundly interrelated and mutually enriching,” he continued. “It is my hope that these days of prayer and dialogue will serve as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of peace and understanding through prayer can forge lasting bonds of unity and prevail over the passions of war. War is never a necessity, nor is it inevitable. Another way can always be found: the way of dialogue, encounter, and the sincere search for truth.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: Bveritas2322 -
Sep. 09, 2014 12:01 AM ET USA
Genocide is not ended by "dialogue," and to not pursue an end to genocide is to aid and abet genocide.
-
Posted by: Defender -
Sep. 08, 2014 5:50 PM ET USA
What of St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas and Just War Doctrine and the Catechism? There have been many examples in history where it became necessary, especially when world domination, the eradication of a people or the imposition of a religion was the overriding objective.
-
Posted by: -
Sep. 08, 2014 1:15 PM ET USA
I guess Lepanto wasn't necessary either. Suppose it's time to rewrite the history of Christianity.
-
Posted by: jg23753479 -
Sep. 08, 2014 10:21 AM ET USA
"War is never a necessity." I wish this were true, but I fear it is more a wish than a reality. You simply cannot engage in dialogue nor search for truth with forces dedicated to evil. This pope is naive if he thinks otherwise.
-
Posted by: polish.pinecone4371 -
Sep. 08, 2014 10:21 AM ET USA
With all due respect, I beg to differ. The Crusades were a necessity. WWII was a necessity. War against ISIS is a necessity.
