The Vatican has criticised the European Union for applying international law inconsistently. Senior Church officials argued that some military actions receive sanctions while others face little or no response.
The comments came during a closed-door conference of cardinals led by Pope Leo XIV. The meeting focused on war, peace, and the Catholic Church’s teaching on the use of military force.
Church leaders also discussed whether the traditional doctrine of a just war should be reinterpreted in light of modern conflicts.
Vatican questions EU’s approach to international law
Cardinal VÃctor Manuel Fernández opened the conference with strong criticism of global politics. He said many governments apply moral and legal standards based on political interests.
He argued that some countries face sanctions for military actions while others receive financial or military support. According to Fernández, this reflects inconsistent enforcement of international law.
The cardinal specifically accused the European Union of treating conflicts differently depending on political and economic interests.
Pope Leo pushes debate on just war doctrine
Pope Leo XIV called the conference to examine what he described as a global “culture of power.” He believes the Church should reassess how it approaches modern warfare.
A key topic was the traditional Catholic doctrine of a just war. Pope Leo has argued that the principle has sometimes been used to justify military action too easily.
The discussions explored whether legitimate self-defense should be interpreted more narrowly in today’s conflicts.
Disagreement with US leaders continues
Pope Leo’s position has already created tension with US Vice President JD Vance. The disagreement centres on whether recent military operations meet the Church’s just war principles.
Fernández warned that governments often expand the definition of self-defense to justify military interventions. He cited conflicts involving several major powers as examples.
He argued that preventive wars should not be accepted under Catholic teaching. Instead, he called for a much stricter interpretation of self-defense.
Many cardinals reportedly agreed that the Church should continue reviewing its teaching on war. A Vatican summary said several working groups supported further discussion.
Pope Leo closed the conference by welcoming the cardinals’ recommendations. He said the Church would study the issue with both theological and pastoral care.
The Vatican indicated that the debate over just war doctrine will continue as global conflicts evolve.
