MONTREAL (CCN) — The communications office of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a statement April 16, reiterating several principles of Catholic teaching on war, peace, and political responsibility, after the recent public discussion surrounding appeals for peace by Pope Leo XIV.
The CCCB office highlights that the pope’s witness in moments of conflict is “moral and pastoral, not partisan,” emphasizing that his calls for peace are rooted in the teachings of the Church rather than political alignment. This pope rejects contempt, requires restraint, and prioritizes the protection of innocent lives.
The statement reiterates that “Catholic teaching holds that war is subject to strict conditions of moral legitimacy.” War cannot be presumed as just and must meet demanding criteria. Even then, it should only be considered as a last resort, and in such cases, the obligation to safeguard civilians remains fundamental. The destruction of essential civilian infrastructure and the suffering of non-combatants must be avoided.
The statement also addresses concerns about political rhetoric, cautioning against the use of imagery or language reserved for Christ to depict political leaders, as these, in addition to being disrespectful, risk blurring the line between religious faith and political authority.
It states that although the Church does not intervene in the domestic political matters of other nations, current global developments make it important to restate universal moral principles including “truthfulness, humility, reverence and a concern for the innocent.”
The statement concludes by encouraging Catholics across Canada to pray for the pope, for peace among nations, and for all those affected by war.
Read the statement.
