399. War must be the last resort

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 399

Ave Maria series

When is the use of military force allowed?

The use of military force is possible only in an extreme emergency.  There are several criteria for a “Just war”: (1) Authorization by the competent authority; (2) a just cause; (3) a just purpose; (4) war must be the last resort; (5) the methods used must be proportionate; and, (6) there must be a prospect of success. [2307-2309]

Soldiers in foreground receiving viaticum during battlefield invasion. –WWII photo posted by Catholic Answers 2015. ….. 399  

“The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.^” – Proverbs  9:10

 [2307-2309]

Avoiding war

2307 The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life. Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to action so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of war. (Compare Gaudium et Spes 81 § 4. )¹⁰⁵–Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2308 All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war. –CCC

However, "as long as the danger of war persists and there is no international authority with the necessary competence and power, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed." (Gaudium et Spes 79 § 4.)¹⁰⁶ –CCC

2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time: 

- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain; –CCC

- all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective; –CCC

- there must be serious prospects of success; –CCC

- the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition. –CCC

These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine.–CCc

The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.–CCC

People  WWII posted in 2015 by Catholic Answers