Vatican City (Fides Service) - "Chaplains of armed forces, moved by Christ's love, are called by special vocation to bear witness that even amidst the fiercest conflict it is always possible, and therefore a duty, to respect the dignity of the adversary solider, the dignity of the civilian victims, the indelible dignity of every human being involved in armed conflict. This is also a way to promote the reconciliation necessary for restoring peace after the conflict". Pope John Paul II said this in his message to army Chaplains attending the Course in Humanitarian Law organised by the Congregation for Bishops and the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
The Pope underlined that "precisely when arms are unleashed it becomes imperative to have rules which render war operations less inhuman" and Catholic chaplains, besides carrying out a religious ministry, must not fail to help provide "appropriate education for military personnel to the values that animate humanitarian law and make of this not only a juridical code but indeed a moral code". Lastly the Holy Father referred to the difficult moment lived by humanity today, as the world hears again the noise of arms and he said: "The thought of the victims, the destruction, the suffering provoked by armed conflict always brings profound concern and great sadness".
The Pope concluded: "It should by now be clear to everyone that war as a means of solving conflict between countries has been rejected, even before the United Nations Charter, by the consciences of most of humanity, except for lawful defence against an aggressor. The present vast movement for peace - which, according to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, is not simply <the absence of war> (GS 78) - reveals this conviction of men and women of every continent and culture. In this framework, efforts by the different religions to support the search for peace are a reason for comfort and hope". See message in Italian at www.fides.org SL (Fides Service 26/3/2003 EM lines 27 Words: 353)