World leaders met this morning in London to discuss the situation in Libya, with one eye on the country’s future – even though bombing raids began only some 10 days ago. The Holy See has spoken against the continuation of violence, while some Catholic commentators have supported the intervention. In this article we consider some Catholic perspectives on the conflict.

Help without conditions

It was announced yesterday that the Papal Nuncio to the UK, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, would be the Vatican’s official observer at today’s meeting in London. He spoke to the Italian news agency ADNKronos, outlining what he was working towards.

“The Pope made an appeal yesterday for an end to the use of arms, and that is what is necessary for the safety of both sides and in order to ensure access to humanitarian aid.

“The Holy See is present alongside other international organisations putting together help and a plan for the country’s rehabilitation which takes all Libyans into account, regardless of race, religion, politics or ideology.”

The end result

Many observing the conflict are worried that the exit strategy is undefined or even non-existent, but Monsignor Mennini said that a lasting peace is the desired outcome:

“Everyone will have a duty to help the Libyan people build their road towards peace, a peace that means an end to hatred between the parties on a personal as well as a factional level.

“They must be aided to walk the difficult but indispensible path of mutual forgiveness, and I believe the Catholic Church in Libya can aid in recreating a spirit of constructive dialogue.”

Just War?

Since military intervention was first mooted, questions have arisen about whether it was the right thing to do.

Yesterday, Dr William Oddie writing in the Catholic Herald argued that the intervention in Libya could be defined as a just war, according to Catholic teaching.

He pointed out that originally there were three criteria in the theory:

“1. The war must be started and controlled by the due authority of state or ruler – This does not rule out the military intervention of the Nato forces.

“2. There must be a just cause – The UN resolution emphatically fulfils that condition.

“3. The war must be for good or against evil – Gaddafi said he would show ‘no mercy’. Thousands would have died. Without any doubt, the airstrikes have been against a very great evil indeed.”

Given the apparent disparity between Dr Oddie’s reasoned argument from Catholic teaching which supports the military intervention, and the Holy Father’s call for a ceasing of hostilities, we are reminded that the application of just-war theory is always on the basis of a pragmatic judgement taking into account all of the complex factors that are involved in such a situation. We are also reminded that the Holy Father has the perspective afforded by the See of Peter – not merely that of doctrinal interpretation, but also as the head of Vatican state with its diplomatic and humanitarian networks spread throughout the world, including Libya. As recent Popes have often reminded us, war is always a destructive evil, and the occasions where it is justifiable are limited and few.

A guide through this complex area

In Craig M. White’s recent book, written for the CTS, Peace and War in Today’s world, the author outlines the history of just-war theory and its implementation, taking us through the maze of moral action and intention in a comprehensible way.

For instance, he argues that:

“The Catholic Church insists on the very old distinction between combatants and non-combatants and insists that the deliberate targeting of non-combatants is murder.”

And the basis of the UN resolution is the same idea: force was only authorised in defence of civilians.

But he adds that:

“The Catholic Church has no infallibility in this area. What is necessary is what Pope Benedict XVI has called, ‘A conscience enlightened by faith’.”

In a democracy, the importance for each of us to form our consciences in the light of faith is all the greater. War is ultimately a secular concern, and so in the hands of the states; therefore all of us who are baptised laymen and women have a duty to act as the voice of conscience whenever such conflicts arise. “Blessed are the peacemakers” – but it is up to each of us to decide how best and most swiftly to arrive at a lasting peace.

Craig M. White’s helpful booklet is available here priced £2.50

Let us know your thoughts. Is the intervention in Libya justified?

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