The Vatican is preparing to discuss an issue capable of overturning a millennium-old church tradition. On June 26, Pope Leo XIV is convening cardinals for a secret review of the concept of 'just war.' This decision has already sparked a stormy reaction in Washington and outraged the team of US President Donald Trump.
The End of the Era of Augustine and Aquinas
The doctrine of 'just war' is one of the cornerstones of Catholic teaching on morality in conflicts. It defines the conditions under which war can be theoretically justified. The roots of this theory go deep into history: its foundations were laid by Saint Augustine in the 5th century and Saint Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century.
However, Pope Leo XIV believes that the Vatican must finally review this centuries-old concept. In his opinion, old dogmas no longer correspond to the realities of the modern world.
"The concept of just war is no longer applicable... The theory was developed a century ago, when no one could imagine the weapons we have today, or humanity's capacity for destruction," the Pope explained his position.
Such a step could lead to radical changes in church policy that the pontiff's predecessors did not dare to undertake.
Reaction from Washington and the USA
The Vatican's decision has already been commented on by Archbishop Timothy Broglio, head of the US Military Archdiocese. He noted that the head of the Catholic Church is "stepping on the gas" in the reform process started by his predecessors but not completed.
This step is not the first time the Vatican has publicly clashed with the White House in an attempt to stop military action. Previously, Pope Leo XIV had openly criticized President Donald Trump and his administration.
Tensions reached a peak when the US started a war against Iran. Then the pontiff stated that "the disciples of Christ have never been on the side of those who once wielded the sword, and today drop bombs." Vice President JD Vance reacted harshly to this reproach, threatening that the pontiff needs to be "careful" in his theology.
Nevertheless, the decision to review the doctrine of 'just war' proves: the Pope is not afraid of a new conflict with Trump and his team.
Geopolitical Context and Trump's Message
Relations between the Vatican and the USA remain tense. As RBC-Ukraine reported earlier, recently President Trump ordered an important message to be delivered to the head of the Vatican, the content of which remains a subject of speculation.
Parallel to this, the Pope is closely monitoring the development of the Russo-Ukrainian war. He has repeatedly made statements on this matter, including after the massive Russian attack on Ukraine on May 24.
The pontiff was particularly outraged by the Russian shelling of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. These events underscore that Leo XIV intends to actively use his moral authority to influence global conflicts, regardless of political consequences.