Posted on 03/23/2022 6:48:14 PM PDT by marshmallow
ROME — Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has recognized the legitimacy of recourse to arms to repel an unjust aggressor such as in the case of Ukraine in an apparent contradiction of Pope Francis’ rejection of Catholic “just war” doctrine.
“The use of weapons is never something desirable, because it always carries a very high risk of taking the life of people or causing serious injury and terrible material damage,” Cardinal Parolin told the Spanish Catholic weekly Vida Nueva when asked whether European nations should be sending weapons to Ukraine.
“Nonetheless, the right to defend one’s life, one’s people and one’s country sometimes also involves the sad recourse to arms,” the cardinal recognized. “At the same time both sides must refrain from the use of prohibited weapons and fully respect international humanitarian law to protect civilians and non-combatants.”
“On the other hand, although military aid to Ukraine may be understandable, the search for a negotiated solution, which silences weapons and prevents a nuclear escalation, remains a priority,” Parolin added.
On Friday, Pope Francis ruled out the possibility of “just wars,” saying they do not exist.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
Yes, and he should speak more clearly!
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