Pope Rejects 'Just War' Theory Regarding Conflict in Iran

教宗拒絕就伊朗衝突適用「正義戰爭」論

Jun 6, 2026, 17:22
EuropeInternational

Introduction

Pope Leo XIV has officially stated that the current military conflict in Iran does not meet the requirements of a 'just war' according to Catholic teaching.

教宗黎奧十四世正式表示，根據天主教教義，目前的伊朗軍事衝突不符合「正義戰爭」的要求。

Main Body

The Pope argues that the traditional 'just war' theory is now outdated because modern weapons are too destructive. He explained this shift in his document 'Magnifica Humanitas,' where he emphasized that diplomacy, dialogue, and forgiveness should be prioritized over military force, especially when civilians are killed in large numbers. This position was further supported during a meeting of cardinals on June 26-27.

教宗認為傳統的「正義戰爭」理論現在已經過時，因為現代武器的破壞力太強。他在文件《Magnifica Humanitas》中解釋了這一轉變，強調外交、對話與寬恕應優先於軍事行動，尤其是在大量平民被殺害的情況下。這一立場在 6 月 26 至 27 日的紅衣主教會議上得到進一步支持。

This theological view has caused diplomatic tension between the Vatican and the United States government. Vice President JD Vance used the 'just war' theory to justify military actions against Tehran and suggested the Pope be more careful with his interpretations. Furthermore, President Donald Trump described the Pope's foreign policy as 'weak' and 'terrible' after the Pope criticized the President's comments about destroying Iranian civilization. In contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the U.S. President's remarks toward the Pope were unacceptable.

這一神學觀點導致梵蒂岡與美國政府之間出現外交緊張。副總統 JD Vance 利用「正義戰爭」理論來合理化對德黑蘭的軍事行動，並建議教宗在解釋時應更加謹慎。此外，在教宗批評總統關於摧毀伊朗文明的言論後，總統川普形容教宗的外交政策「軟弱」且「糟糕」。相反，義大利總理喬治亞·梅洛尼表示，美國總統對教宗的言論是不可接受的。

In addition to the situation in Iran, the Pope expressed concern about the long war in Ukraine. He emphasized that negotiations must continue, even though President Vladimir Putin has refused to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Moreover, the Pope mentioned the difficult security situation in Lebanon and continues to communicate with religious leaders in that region.

除了伊朗的情況，教宗也對烏克蘭長期戰爭表示關切。他強調即使總統普亭拒絕與總統澤倫斯基會面，談判仍必須繼續。此外，教宗提到黎巴嫩艱難的安全局勢，並持續與該地區的宗教領袖溝通。

Conclusion

Pope Leo XIV continues to call for a move away from military intervention and toward diplomatic solutions in several global conflict zones.

教宗黎奧十四世繼續呼籲全球多個衝突地區放棄軍事干預，轉而採取外交解決方案。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Sophistication Jump': Moving from Simple to Complex Connections

As an A2 student, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to stop using these 'basic bridges' and start using Logical Connectors. These words change how a reader perceives your intelligence and your argument.

🔍 The Discovery

Look at how the article connects ideas. It doesn't just say "and"; it uses specific tools to guide the reader:

  • Adding Information (The 'Plus' Effect): Instead of also, the text uses "Furthermore" and "In addition to." Example: "Furthermore, President Donald Trump described..."

  • Showing Contrast (The 'Flip' Effect): Instead of but, the text uses "In contrast." Example: "In contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated..."

  • Adding Emphasis (The 'More' Effect): Instead of also, the text uses "Moreover." Example: "Moreover, the Pope mentioned..."

🛠️ The B2 Upgrade Path

A2 Level (Simple)→\rightarrowB2 Level (Professional)
But...→\rightarrowIn contrast, / However,
And...→\rightarrowFurthermore, / Moreover,
Also...→\rightarrowIn addition to [this],

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

Notice that words like Furthermore and Moreover usually sit at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma. This creates a natural pause, making you sound more confident and academic. Try replacing your next three "buts" with "however" or "in contrast" to immediately elevate your speaking style.

Vocabulary Learning

outdated (adj.)
Old-fashioned or no longer useful or relevant.
Example:The company's computer system is completely outdated and needs to be replaced.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something when speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of arriving on time for the exam.
prioritized (v.)
To treat something as more important than other things.
Example:The government has prioritized healthcare spending over military expansion.
theological (adj.)
Relating to the study of religious faith, practice, and theory.
Example:The scholars engaged in a deep theological debate about the nature of the soul.
justify (v.)
To show or prove that a decision or action is reasonable or necessary.
Example:It is difficult to justify the cost of the new stadium given the city's debt.
interpretations (n.)
The way in which something is explained or understood.
Example:Different historians have different interpretations of the causes of the war.
intervention (n.)
The act of becoming involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.
Example:The international community is debating whether military intervention is necessary to stop the genocide.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→