[AP Gets it WRONG] Pope Urges Respect for International Law [did NOT "endorse peace movement"]

John Paul II rejected recourse to war as a means to resolve differences -- with the exception of legitimate defense -- and urged respect for humanitarian law in armed conflicts.

"It is precisely when arms are unleashed, that the need becomes imperative for laws that make military operations less inhuman," the Pope said in a message sent to a course for military chaplains, organized by the Holy See in Rome. The course runs today and Wednesday.

The Holy Father's words came at a crucial moment in the development of events in the Anglo-American military operations in Iraq.

The course of formation in humanitarian law, organized jointly by the Congregation for Bishops and the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, is being attended by 41 chaplains from all over the world.

The course has been in preparation since 1999, in keeping with the commitment assumed that year by the Holy See during the 37th International Conference of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

In his message, the Pope said the principles that constitute international humanitarian law today have been able "to develop thanks to the maturation of principles inherent to the Christian message," particularly the appreciation of the dignity of the human person.

These principles teach that "even in the hardest of battles, it is always possible and, therefore, a duty to respect the dignity of the military adversary, the dignity of civilians, and the indelible dignity of each human being involved in armed conflicts."

"In this way, reconciliation necessary for the re-establishment of peace after the conflict is favored," he added, defending humanitarian law not just as "a juridical code, but above all as an ethical code."

After mentioning the "difficult hour of history, when the world finds itself once again hearing the clash of arms," John Paul II said: "thinking of the victims, the destruction, and the suffering caused by armed conflicts always causes great concern and pain."

"It should be clear by now that war used as an instrument of resolution of conflicts between states was rejected, even before the Charter of the United Nations, by the conscience of the majority of humanity, except in the case of defense against an aggressor," the Pope stressed.

"The vast contemporary movement in favor of peace -- which, according to Vatican Council II, is not reduced to a 'simple absence of war' -- demonstrated this conviction of men of every continent and culture," he added.

In this connection, the Holy Father said that "the strength of different religions in sustaining the search for peace is a reason for comfort and hope."

"In our view of faith, peace, even if it is the result of political accords and understanding among individuals and peoples, is a gift from God that we must constantly invoke with prayer and penance," he said. "Without a conversion of heart, there is no peace! Peace is only achieved through love!"

"Right now we are all asked to work and pray so that war disappears from the horizon of humanity," he concluded.

Thank you for posting this. There is a lot of disinformation going around these days. When it comes to understanding the Church's position on a given subject, I have found it necessary to find the full quote from JPII himself. Excerpts are often out of context and "Vatican officials" often have their own agenda that frequently conflicts with the Pope. I have also found it necessary to take the secular analysis provided with any quote with a grain of salt; rather the quote needs to be analyzed as to how it relates to biblical guidance or previously established moral principles (which often can be accomplished by reviewing the appropriate part of the Catechism).

The church has established what constitutes a just war. The present war meets all of these rerquirements. I interpret the Pope's comment:

"even in the hardest of battles, it is always possible and, therefore, a duty to respect the dignity of the military adversary, the dignity of civilians, and the indelible dignity of each human being involved in armed conflicts."

to be "To the United States: I know that the Iraqi military is using unjust methods of warfare. You will be tempted to lash out, but I ask you to be the adult amongst these brats".

You don't know what the truth is, if it hit you between the eyes! You're just hitting back, because you yourself can't admit when you're wrong. Your attitude just stinks, and you're still being a bully! You won't get anyone to listen to you, with that holier-than-thou attitude! It seems to me, if you want to evangelize people, you could stand to learn by the example of the Apostles themselves. They learned bout winning people over by the Master himself. And his ways aren't your ways!

They won people over, and our Lord won people by loving example, as well as preaching the word of God. Yes, they could be stern when they needed to; but they didn't rudely put down people like you do! Maybe you should look in your Bible and study the "New Testament" a bit more. Then come at us again, more respectfully, ok?

To state that those that oppose you are ignorant is flattering. The truth is that the word of a very fallible mortal supercedes God's Word as written in the Bible. They couldn't possibly recognize prophecy at work because they despise the Bible. They don't know that God CONSTANTLY used war to get His way -> because they don't read the Bible. They despise ALL who disagree with this evil, fallible mortal who doesn't know a hole in the ground from his but.

They especially hate Luther. Oh, do they rag on him. All because he had enough of the lies, deception and extortion from people of their money. He started the Reformation to get BACK to the Bible. Again, believing God and what is written in the Bible was viewed then and now as ridiculous yet in the next breathe they claim to be Christian. Well a Christian is one who follows the teaching of Christ. Go figure!

I find it utterly amusing that for years people were paid off after their children were molested and then the priest is shipped to another parish to molest some more. Of course the tithes extorted from people financed this immoral activity.

Odd how the problem with nuns being raped by straight priests and lesbianisn is not being addressed. Yes that exists there too. Getting back to the homo problem ... victims want to meet with the pope and he refuses to see them. Yeah, what a compassionate guy. Yet this pope extends "compassion" when it will make political points for the spiritually wayward still following him.

Many in my church have left this "faith". When they read the Bible, they were first in denial because that wasn't what they were taught. This is the major problem. The Bible is meaningless to them. Only select passages that align with false doctrine are emphasized.

Some day JOhn Paul or whatever his name is will also have to stand before God and explain what he promoted as "teachings" and also explain why he was opposed to the removal of saddam insane. I wouldn't want to eb in his shoes. Defending evil and rejecting the removal of evil will not go over well with God.

Rom.13:1-4

[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

[2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

[3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

[4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

George Bush is doing just that - getting rid of evil - saddam insane. These folks wouldn't know that because they don't believe in the Bible and certainly don't read it.

It's clear to me that MOST people who like to claim "I'm a Christian" don't know that the tares and wheat are being separated. They also WANT to be deceived.

Matthew 10:34-35

[34] Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

[35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Luke 12:51-56

[51] Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

[52] For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

[53] The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

[54] And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

[55] And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

[56] Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

This passage personifies your critics:

Matthew 7:13-20

[13] Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

[14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

[15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Indeed but the problem is that when people don't read God's Word, the Bible they won't know who the wolves are. False doctrine sounds good especially when it appears to our human nature.

[16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

[18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

[19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

[20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Yes, I believe the fruits of this "faith" are obvious. There will also NOT be peace on earth till the Prince of Peace returns. They wouldn't know this because they don't bother to read the Bible. Their faith is with another fallen sinner.

RaiderRose: Lovey, read what this guy said to your momma in #120.

Laz17: Just checked my stuff. You know, you are sick. What do you know about me? You are offensive and a hypocrite. Sounds like you have some major issues to deal with. I know the truth, and the truth is--I don't need your vomit in my life.

I am the mother of 5 beautiful, Catholic, Republicans. All raised by me and my husband. Beautiful spirits they are who could not possibly come from cockroaches.

I am a high school math teacher. I have a wall reserved for true American heroes in my classroom. My students sing the anthem with me when it is played over the intercom. I am awesome.

Yes, I will have things to answer for when I get to heaven--we all will. But Jesus Christ knows that He is my hero and will always be, and because of Him and my faith, I could never say the horrible things to someone that you have said to me. I will pray for you.

Sincerely,

A Catholic Republican until the day I die :)

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