War with Iraq Faith and Conflict

Can Roman Catholics support a war on Iraq? While Pope John Paul II and most church leaders have made clear statements against the war, several prominent U.S. Catholics believe there is a moral case for disarming Saddam Hussein by force. At the heart of the debate are Catholic doctrines about just war, political authority, and the role of individual conscience in making moral decisions.

Here, Beliefnet collects analysis and opinion on war in Iraq, including our members' most active discussions.

Church Teaching on War

Official Catholic Teaching on War
The conditions for legitimate defense by military force. Excerpted from the Catholic Catechism

Just War Theory in a Nutshell

St. Thomas Aquinas on War

Opinions: Faithful Catholics Can Support This War

We have a moral obligation to stop terrorism: Opinions by George Weigel and Michael Novak

It's a matter of conscience
By Deal Hudson

If a war is just, it's immoral to wait too long to fight it
By Fr. Richard John Neuhaus

Analysis: Catholic Neoconservatives Make Case for War

Church Statements: "Difficult to Justify" Iraq War

March 22: Pope Says War Threatens "Fate of Humanity"

March 19: U.S Bishops "Deeply Regret" War

March 18: Vatican Says Bush Will Answer to God

War is always a "defeat for humanity"
Excerpts from a speech by Pope John Paul II

There are still peaceful avenues available
Papal envoy's statement after meeting with President Bush

Preemptive war creates a troubling precedent
Statement by America's Catholic bishops

Related News and Features

March 24: Bishop Unhurt in Baghdad Blast

March 21: Iraqi Christians Consecrate Iraq to Mary

Pro- and Anti-War Catholics Mobilize

Group says just war conditions have been met, launches petition drive

Pax Christi urges civil disobedience if war escalates

What Should Catholic Soldiers Do?
When Church teaching and the military oath collide

Catholics Living in Iraq
Populations by diocese according to 2001 data

A Liberal's Defense of Bush
By Eugene Cullen Kennedy

Member Discussions

"Papal statements on Iraq are not infallible"