Pope Francis Reexamines Just War Doctrine in Light of Modern Weaponry

In a recent encyclical and press interview, Pope Francis said the traditional just war theory cannot address the destructive capacity of drones, cyber weapons, and nuclear arms, and therefore must be reconsidered.

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The just war concept originates with St. Augustine (5th century) and was systematized by St. Thomas Aquinas (13th century), forming a set of criteria—legitimate authority, just cause, right intention, proportionality—used by the Church for centuries.

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Revising the doctrine could alter moral guidance for Catholics and affect how believers evaluate state actions in conflict, especially amid rising tensions with Iran. It also reflects the Church’s attempt to stay relevant in debates on modern weaponry and humanitarian law.

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Pope Francis wrote in the encyclical that the just war theory has been repeatedly invoked to justify wars and is now considered outdated. He later told journalists that the notion of a just war no longer applies because it was formulated before modern weapons existed. Archbishop Timothy Broglio noted that contemporary warfare has fundamentally altered its nature, and Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia described the Pope’s initiative as a significant new step.

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The Pope’s remarks are preliminary; no formal doctrinal change has been announced. The Vatican has not specified how new criteria will be defined, what language will replace the current framework, or the timeline for informing the faithful, leaving key implementation details unclear.

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• “The notion of a just war no longer applies … [The theory] was developed in centuries when no one could have imagined the weapons we have today or humanity’s capacity for destruction.” — Pope Francis, press interview

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• “which has all too often been used to justify any kind of war, is now outdated.” — Pope Francis, encyclical

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• “Because of the cataclysmic encounters that we’ve had and also the potential danger that’s there, I think the pope wants to take advantage of bringing to bear all of the modern considerations that now have, in a very real way, altered the nature of warfare,” — Archbishop Timothy Broglio, U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services

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Cardinals are slated to meet later this year to discuss possible revisions to the just war criteria. The Vatican says any new guidelines will follow a thorough theological review and will be announced publicly.

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