In comments made as part of the Jubilee Year observances — specifically, the Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police and Security Forces — the Holy Father sent a different message than what he had in the past. Previously, some of Pope Francis’ writings and remarks led people to question whether he accepted the traditional Just War Doctrine of the Church.
But these remarks clearly imply that he accepts the traditional doctrine and is not an ideological pacifist:
Dear brothers and sisters,
Before concluding the celebration, I wish to greet you all, who have brought to life this Jubilee pilgrimage of the Armed Forces, Police and Security Forces. I thank the distinguished civil authorities for their presence, and the military Ordinaries and Chaplains for their pastoral service. I extend my greeting to all military personnel throughout the world, and I would like to recall the teaching of the Church in this regard. The Second Vatican Council says: “Those too who devote themselves to the military service of their country should regard themselves as the agents of security and freedom of peoples” (Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et spes, 79). This armed service is to be exercised only for legitimate defence, never to impose dominion over other nations, always observing the international conventions on matters of conflict (cf. ibid.), and before that, in sacred respect for life and creation.
Brothers and sisters, let us pray for peace, in tormented Ukraine, in Palestine, in Israel and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan. Let arms be silent everywhere, and let the cry of the peoples, who are asking for peace, be heard!
Let us entrust our prayer to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.
Angelus Domini…
