.@POTUS: "I have nothing against the Pope... If the Pope looked at the 42,000 people that were killed over the last two or three months, as [protesters] with no weapons, no nothing... I have a right to disagree with the Pope."
I think JD Vance’s response, unfortunately, misses the point.
When the Pope says, “God is not on the side of those who wield the sword” (Matthew 26:52), he is not denying the Church’s Just War tradition. He is calling us back to the heart of Christ.
In Matthew 26:52, Jesus says, “all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” He also teaches us to love not only our friends but our enemies (Matthew 5:44), to refuse retaliation (Matthew 5:39), and in the end, He submits to the Cross without violence. This shows a clear direction: the Kingdom of God is not built through force. As He says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Christ does not present violence as something that reflects God’s nature. He allows Himself to be killed rather than defend Himself with force. That is central to the Church’s message.
What is Just War Theory? Just War Theory was developed mainly by St. Augustine and later refined by St. Thomas Aquinas. It is not a justification for violence, but a strict moral framework meant to limit it. It accepts that, in a fallen world, the use of force may sometimes be tolerated, but only under serious conditions. There must be a just cause, such as defending innocent life or resisting grave injustice. It must be declared by a legitimate authority. The intention must be right, not driven by revenge, hatred, or conquest, but by the desire to restore justice and peace. War must truly be a last resort, after every serious peaceful option has been exhausted. There must be a real probability of success, so that lives are not wasted in a hopeless conflict. The response must be proportionate, meaning the harm caused must not be greater than the evil being resisted. And even in war, civilians and non-combatants must never be deliberately targeted.
Even with all these conditions, the Church never says that God supports war. At most, it says that moral responsibility may, in very limited circumstances, tolerate the use of force to prevent a greater evil. Peace remains the goal. Violence is never the ideal.
What I find difficult in Vance’s response is the tone toward the Pope. It comes across as though he is trying to correct theological language, as if the Pope is offering just another opinion. But the Pope’s role is precisely to speak into moral and theological questions, especially when they touch on real issues like war and power.
At a deeper level, this seems like a clash between political reasoning and the logic of the Gospel. Christ is the standard, not political strategy, not historical precedent. Everything has to be measured against Him.
So yes, the Church has wrestled with the reality of war. But that does not weaken the Pope’s point. If anything, it makes it more necessary. In a world that keeps finding ways to justify violence, the Church must keep pointing back to Christ, who did not conquer by the sword, but by the Cross.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement Wednesday pushing back at JD Vance after he said Pope Leo XIV should ‘be careful’ when speaking about church teachings:
“For over a thousand years, the Catholic Church has taught just war theory and it is that long tradition the Holy Father carefully references in his comments on war. A constant tenet of that thousand-year tradition is a nation can only legitimately take up the sword ‘in self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2308). That is, to be a just war it must be a defense against another who actively wages war, which is what the Holy Father actually said: ‘He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.’
When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ. The consistent teaching of the Church is insistent that all people of good will must pray and work toward lasting peace while avoiding the evils and injustices that accompany all wars.”
Let us reject the logic of violence and war, and embrace peace founded on love and justice—an unarmed peace, not based on fear, threats or weapons. This peace is disarming, because it is capable of resolving conflicts, opening hearts, and generating trust, empathy, and hope. I strongly reiterate: The world thirsts for #Peace! Enough of war and all the pain it causes through death, destruction, and exile! #ApostolicJourney #Cameroon
"I'm not a fan of Pope Leo."
President Trump rips into Pope Leo for being “very liberal" and accusing him of catering to the left after speaking out against the war in Iran.
But the pope isn't backing down, telling reporters his push for peace comes from the Gospel, not politics, adding he doesn’t see his role “as being a politician.”
God’s heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice and lies. But our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud. God’s heart is with the little ones and the humble, and with them He builds up His Kingdom of love and peace day by day. Wherever there is love and service, God is there. #ApostolicJourney #Algeria