Archbishop Questions Moral Justification of US Campaign Against Iran
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who leads all Catholic chaplains in the United States' armed forces and heads the Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, has questioned the moral justification of the US military's campaign against Iran. Broglio stated that the campaign did not align with the principles of Just War Theory, despite acknowledging Iran's status as a nuclear threat. His comments addressed the theological framework of warfare and the broader political and moral considerations surrounding military action.
Archbishop's Assessment of the Iran Campaign
In an interview, Archbishop Broglio stated that "under the just war theory – it is not" justifiable. He explained that while Iran "was a threat with nuclear arms," initiating war as a response constituted "compensating for a threat before the threat is actually realized."
"Under the just war theory – it is not" justifiable, Archbishop Broglio stated regarding the US campaign against Iran.
Broglio also addressed a call by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for prayers for a military victory "in the name of Jesus Christ." Broglio deemed this "problematic," noting Jesus' teachings on peace and viewing war as a final option. However, he acknowledged that military decision-makers "may have information that led them to think that that was the only choice they had" and questioned whether leaders could explore alternative solutions.
Understanding Just War Theory
Just War Theory is a philosophical and legal framework rooted in the teachings of Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. It guides moral considerations for starting (jus ad bellum) and conducting (jus in bello) war. The theory stipulates that war should be:
- A last resort.
- Used only to correct serious wrong.
- Undertaken with legitimate authority, right intent, and proportionality to achieve peace.
Just War Theory is a philosophical and legal framework that guides moral considerations for starting and conducting war.
Broglio referenced Jesus' message of peace, indicating that war is typically a last resort, and expressed that it was challenging to portray the campaign as divinely sponsored.
Broader Context and Guidance
Broglio aligned his views with Pope Leo XIV, who has consistently called for negotiation and de-escalation of violence in the Middle East, urging leaders to find an "off-ramp" in the conflict with Iran. Pope Leo XIV has also stated that the Christian mission has sometimes been "distorted by a desire for domination, entirely foreign to the way of Jesus Christ."
Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for negotiation and de-escalation of violence, urging leaders to find an "off-ramp" in the conflict with Iran.
For Catholic service members, Broglio advised them to "do as little harm as you can" and "preserve innocent lives." He also highlighted that US military policy allows conscientious objection to war in general, but not to specific conflicts.
Political Landscape
Broglio's comments may contribute to political discussions regarding the war's rationale. At the time, the then-Trump administration had asserted that Iran's history of terrorism sponsorship, missile development, and uranium enrichment justified its actions. Conversely, Democrats described the conflict as a "war of choice" and questioned the lack of congressional approval. Public polling during the conflict indicated a decline in the then-President's approval rating, with some reports citing a 35% approval rating.