Arms supplies to Ukraine are morally acceptable because they help the country defend itself from Russian aggression. Today, according to Reuters, Pope Francis told reporters aboard the plane that he was returning from the world meeting of religious leaders in Kazakhstan. The head of the Roman Catholic Church also called on Kiev to be open to a possible dialogue with Moscow, even if it is difficult for Ukraine.
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“This is a political decision that can be moral, morally acceptable, if taken in conditions of morality”, the Pope reflected on the moral right of countries to send weapons to Ukraine. He also pointed to the concept of “just war” according to the Catholic Church, which allows the proportionate use of lethal weapons for self-defense against an aggressor.
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“Self-defense is not only legal, but also an expression of love for the country. Those who do not defend themselves, those who do not defend something, do not love it. Those who defend something love it,” said František.
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The Pope then explained his point of view on when the supply of weapons to a country is moral and when it is not. “It can be immoral if the intention is to cause more wars or to sell or give away weapons that (the country) no longer needs. Motivation is what largely determines the morality of this step, “the Pope said.
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Asked whether Ukraine should negotiate with the country that attacked it, the Pope said that dialogue with the countries that have started the war is always difficult, but it should not be ruled out. “I would not rule out dialogue with a power at war, even if with the aggressor. Sometimes you have to have that dialogue. It doesn’t smell good for you, but you have to, “František stressed.
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