US bishops' Doctrine Chair Defends Church's Just War Tradition

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Vice President JD Vance appeared to warn Pope Leo XIV to "be careful" when speaking about theology and U.S.'s war: "For over a thousand years, the Catholic Church has taught just war theory and it is that long tradition the Holy Father carefully references in his comments on war," Auxiliary Bishop James Massa of Brooklyn, New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Doctrine, said in a statement released April 15.

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Pope Leo XIV condemns "tyrants" fueling war with billions. His calls for global peace during his Africa trip come amid rising tensions with President Trump. n.pr/3QgbFgX

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"A constant tenet of that thousand-year tradition is a nation can only legitimately take up the sword in self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed' (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2308)," Bishop Massa said.

"That is, to be a just war it must be a defense against another who actively wages war, which is what the Holy Father actually said:

He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.'"

"When Pope Leo speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church," Bishop Massa continued, "he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ."

"The consistent teaching of the Church is insistent that all people of good will must pray and work toward lasting peace while avoiding the evils and injustices that accompany all wars," Bishop Massa said."