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Cardinal McElroy: U.S. War with Iran Lacks Moral Legitimacy

3/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Washington Cardinal Robert W. McElroy says the U.S. war with Iran is not morally legitimate under Catholic just war principles.
In a March 9 interview, he cites concerns about military actions since February 28 and notes mixed parishioner opinions.
McElroy says the Khamenei regime is oppressive, but the war lacks a just cause because it does not respond to an imminent attack and its aims remain unclear.

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Story summary

Washington Cardinal Robert W. McElroy says the U.S. war with Iran is not morally legitimate under Catholic just war principles.
In a March 9 interview, he cites concerns about military actions since February 28 and notes mixed parishioner opinions.
McElroy says the Khamenei regime is oppressive, but the war lacks a just cause because it does not respond to an imminent attack and its aims remain unclear.