The call to peace and justice

The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia is yet another devastating conflict in modern history, bringing immense suffering, loss of life, and widespread displacement.

As peace talks resume in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the world watches the unfolding developments, the Catholic Church’s social teaching offers a lens through which we must analyse this moment: one of justice, reconciliation, and the dignity of human life.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that war is a failure of humanity and should always be a last resort. Pope Francis has been unwavering in his calls for peace, consistently denouncing war as a “defeat for humanity.” The war in Ukraine is no exception. It has led to the deaths of thousands, the destruction of entire cities, and the displacement of millions.

As Catholics, we must be clear: the suffering of innocent civilians is intolerable, and the pursuit of peace must always be prioritised over the escalation of violence.

Catholic teaching acknowledges that nations have a right to defend themselves against unjust aggression. St Augustine’s Just War Theory, further refined by St Thomas Aquinas, provides guidance on when force may be used.

In this situation, however, all sides—Ukraine, Russia, and the international community—are morally obligated to seek a resolution that upholds justice, protects human life, and lays the foundation for lasting peace.

It is also important to recognise the larger political systems at play. The expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) into Ukraine has been a deeply contentious issue, breaking earlier agreements and escalating tensions.

We must ask whether the broader geopolitical struggle between NATO and Russia has contributed to an environment where war became inevitable. In the wake of the Cold War, there were assurances given to Russia that NATO would not expand eastward beyond Germany.

However, since the 1990s, NATO has steadily expanded to include former Soviet bloc nations, increasing Russian anxieties about Western encroachment. Russia, too, has legitimate security concerns.

Additionally, we must acknowledge the immense financial profits generated by war. The arms industry benefits enormously from prolonged conflict, and economic interests often play a hidden yet powerful role in perpetuating violence.

The global arms trade, dominated by a handful of powerful nations, thrives on instability and war. The United States is by far the largest producer and exporter of arms, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of global arms sales.

Companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman see massive financial gains from prolonged conflicts, with billions of dollars in defence contracts awarded annually.

In 2022 alone, global military spending surpassed US$2 trillion, with the US and NATO allies driving much of this surge. A just peace requires confronting these incentives for war and striving for a global system where diplomacy, rather than military escalation, is prioritised.

We are called not only to address the immediate crisis but to seek long-term structures that promote peace rather than endless cycles of rivalry and conflict. For Catholics worldwide, this moment calls for both prayer and concrete action. The Church teaches that prayer is powerful—not only in shaping our hearts but in shaping history. But faith without works is dead (Jas 2:26).

The global Catholic community must continue its work in providing humanitarian aid, and advocating for diplomatic solutions that honour human dignity. Catholics in positions of influence—whether in politics, media, or local parishes—must champion the cause of peace rooted in justice.

As the world watches the negotiations unfold, we must remain steadfast in our Catholic witness: upholding the dignity of all people, rejecting cycles of hatred, and working tirelessly toward a just and lasting peace.

May the Prince of Peace guide the hearts of all leaders, and may Our Lady, Queen of Peace, intercede for an end to this war. May she protect both the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia, leading them toward reconciliation and healing.