Vatican accuses EU of double standards in dealing with wars

The Vatican has publicly criticized the European Union for applying double standards in its approach to warfare, accusing it of selectively enforcing international law and sanctions based on political convenience rather than universal principles. This criticism emerged during a closed-door meeting of cardinals from around the world, convened by Pope Francis under the theme of war. The gathering was part of broader efforts to examine what the Pope calls a “culture of power” that fuels modern conflicts and to consider how the Church should respond. Among the most vocal critics was Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, who accused the EU of inconsistency in its foreign policy and called into question the legitimacy of military interventions justified under the guise of self-defense.

Cardinal Fernández argued that while some nations are labeled as undemocratic and subjected to sanctions due to their perceived hostility, others—particularly allies—are allowed to operate with impunity despite clear violations of human rights, freedom of expression, and democratic norms. He pointed to the EU's contradictory actions, such as imposing economic sanctions on one country while simultaneously providing financial aid and arms to another, even when the latter’s actions result in far more severe humanitarian consequences. These discrepancies, he claimed, reveal a pattern where geopolitical interests override the pursuit of justice and stability. His remarks were echoed by other participants, who noted that the current framework of international values is increasingly eroded by political expediency.

At the heart of the debate was the Pope’s push to reassess the traditional doctrine of *just war*, which has long guided Catholic teachings on the use of force. The Pope argued that this doctrine is being misused to justify many unjust wars and is outdated in light of today’s complex conflicts. This stance has already led to tensions with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who challenged the Pope’s interpretation of the criteria for a just war, particularly regarding American and Israeli attacks on Iran. Fernández further contended that governments have expanded the concept of legitimate self-defense to the point of near-universal justification, citing Russia, the United States, and other powers that invoke broad claims of self-defense to justify military interventions ranging from Ukraine to the Middle East.

He emphasized that the Catholic Church’s teaching on just war, which has historically outlined conditions under which the use of armed force can be morally acceptable, is now being manipulated to legitimize the most unjust wars. Rather than serving as a deterrent, he warned, the doctrine is increasingly used to rationalize violence. To counter this, Fernández proposed that the justification for legitimate self-defense must be understood in the “strictest sense,” rejecting the logic of preventive warfare that governments increasingly invoke to justify military action. This call for stricter interpretation could deepen existing disagreements between the Pope and figures like Vance, who advocate for a broader understanding of the doctrine.

The Vatican’s position gained support among several working groups of cardinals, who reportedly agreed that the traditional doctrine of just war must be surpassed to address contemporary challenges. In his concluding speech, Pope Francis acknowledged that the discussion on just war is far from over. He praised the cardinals’ recommendations to re-examine the Church’s teachings on legitimate self-defense within the context of the profound changes in the nature of modern conflicts. He pledged to engage with the issue “with necessary theological and pastoral rigor,” signaling a commitment to addressing these concerns with both intellectual depth and spiritual guidance.

As the debate continues, the Vatican’s critique of the EU highlights growing concerns about the role of geopolitics in shaping international responses to conflict. It also underscores the internal struggles within the Catholic Church to reconcile ancient doctrines with the realities of modern warfare. Whether these discussions will lead to concrete reforms remains uncertain, but they mark a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue between religious institutions and global politics.