Auxiliary Bishop James Massa of Brooklyn, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, released a statement on April 15 defending the Catholic Church’s teaching on just war theory following remarks by Vice President JD Vance. The statement came shortly after Vance cautioned Pope Leo XIV to “be careful” when discussing theology and questioned the pope’s stance on the U.S. conflict in Iran at a Turning Point USA event in Athens, Georgia.
The discussion arises as tensions continue over President Donald Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo regarding his opposition to the Iran war that began April 12. The issue has sparked debate within both political and religious circles about the role of church teachings in public policy and international conflict.
Bishop Massa did not mention Vance by name but issued a clarification from the USCCB addressing just war theory soon after Vance’s comments at the university event. “For over a thousand years, the Catholic Church has taught just war theory and it is that long tradition the Holy Father carefully references in his comments on war,” Massa said. He continued, “A constant tenet of that thousand-year tradition is a nation can only legitimately take up the sword ‘in self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2308). That is, to be a just war it must be a defense against another who actively wages war, which is what the Holy Father actually said: ‘He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.'”
Massa further stated: “When Pope Leo speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ.” He added that church teaching insists all people should pray and work for lasting peace while avoiding injustices related to warfare.
Vance became Catholic in 2019 and argued at both an event and online post that there can be disagreements about what constitutes a just conflict but insisted that religious leaders should be cautious when discussing theological matters publicly. In response to Pope Leo’s assertion that God “is never on the side” of those who use violence or drop bombs today, Vance questioned whether God supported American actions during World War II.
Vincent J. Miller from University of Dayton pointed out that church teaching does not unconditionally endorse all wartime actions such as total warfare seen during World War II: “The vice president’s answer shows he has much to learn about what the Church actually teaches about peace and war,” Miller said.
Many U.S. bishops have condemned both Trump’s remarks toward Pope Leo and articulated traditional teachings against unjust wars. The Second Vatican Council’s document “Lumen Gentium” affirms bishops’ authority when they teach with unity under Rome: their guidance must be respected by Catholics.
Vance’s statements also drew criticism from Senate Majority Leader John Thune who remarked regarding papal authority: “Isn’t that his job?” Thune advised politicians focus instead on economic issues important to Americans while letting religious leaders fulfill their roles.
