Pope Leo XIV Calls Cardinals to Discuss Just War Doctrine

In late June, an extraordinary consistory—a meeting of the College of Cardinals—was held at the Vatican, summoned by Pope Leo XIV. The meeting comprised four sessions, one of which was entirely devoted to the question of "just war."

The discussion centered on the classical just war doctrine, which holds that war is justified only if it meets several strict criteria. First, the war must have a legitimate aim, such as self-defense or restoring justice. Second, there must be a reasonable chance of success—a futile war cannot be considered just. Third, war must be declared by a legitimate authority, not by private individuals. Fourth, it must be a last resort, after all peaceful options have been exhausted.

Furthermore, during a just war, the principle of proportionality must be observed: no greater force than necessary to achieve the objective may be used. Civilians must also be protected, avoiding unnecessary cruelty.

However, as acknowledged during the consistory, applying these principles in practice is far more difficult than defining them theoretically. Modern conflicts, the involvement of non-state actors, and hybrid warfare make the traditional concept of just war a complex subject of debate.