The leader of Catholic chaplains in the US military has questioned the righteousness of the campaign in Iran, stating that under just war theory, it does not meet the criteria. Archbishop Timothy Broglio, head of the Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, told CBS News that while Iran posed a threat, waging war constituted 'compensating for a threat before the threat is actually realised'.
The just war theory, rooted in the theologies of Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, requires war to be a last resort, with legitimate authority, right intent, and proportionality to obtain peace. Broglio noted that 'the Lord Jesus certainly brought a message of peace' and that war is 'always a last resort'. He added that it is 'hard to cast this war as something that would be sponsored by the Lord'.
Broglio's comments may inflame political divisions, particularly among religious supporters of President Donald Trump. The White House argues that Iran's history of terrorism, missile programme, and uranium enrichment justify the action, while Democrats call it a 'war of choice'. Recent polling from YouGov and The Economist shows Trump's approval rating at 35%.
Asked about Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's call for prayers for victory 'in the name of Jesus Christ', Broglio said it was 'a little problematic' as Jesus preached peace. However, he allowed that officials 'may have information that led them to think that that was the only choice they had'. Broglio aligned himself with Pope Leo XIV, who has urged negotiation and an 'off-ramp' in the war.
Broglio counselled Catholic service members to 'do as little harm as you can' and preserve innocent lives. He noted that in the US military, conscientious objection cannot be applied to a specific war, only to war in general. He questioned whether military leaders might have space to consider alternative approaches, adding that some generals share the same dilemma.
