“So many innocent dead. …Wars are always a defeat, always. There is no total victory, no. Yes, one wins over the other, but behind it there is always the defeat of the price paid.” The lament of Pope Francis at the Rome War Cemetery on November 2, 2023.
“I would like to invite everyone to think in their hearts of so many innocents, so many children, so many elderly, totally innocent, who would also be victims of this escalation of a war that has already begun and, which from the first days, we said, ‘Let us return to dialogue, to negotiation, let us try to resolve these problems.’” The urgent invitation of Pope Leo XIV shared just a few days ago.
While we are hopeful that the two-week ceasefire in the Iran war will hold, the need to heed and respond to the wisdom of these papal statements remains. Therefore:
- As Franciscans of the United States we cannot remain silent in the face of the escalating war in Iran (and elsewhere) or the language that threatens to “wipe out a ‘whole civilization.’”
- As disciples of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we must not by our silence become complicit in a war that flagrantly violates the long-established principles of just war theory.
- As human beings who recognize and respect the intrinsic value and dignity of all women and men as brothers and sisters created in the image and likeness of God, we cannot allow ourselves to become accustomed, resigned or indifferent to violence.
- As Franciscans, we must reject the current rhetoric of U.S. government that cruelly dehumanizes the Iranian people and thereby lessens our own humanity. Such language is in direct opposition to the key teaching of Jesus: “what you did to the least of my brothers or sisters, you did to me” (Matthew 25:40).
- As Franciscans we must denounce the targeting of civilians and public infrastructure in Iran (or elsewhere). Such actions would constitute war crimes.
- Not lose hope—knowing that hope is founded on the truth revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ: that love is stronger than violence and death.
- Be bold in contacting your political leaders in a tireless call for peace.
- Engage in actions that strategically build a culture of peace locally and internationally.
- Pray and fast ceaselessly for peace and for strength and insight to work for peace. As one example, Pope Leo has invited all to join in a prayer vigil for peace on Saturday, April 11.
Franciscan Friars
Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, U.S.
8 April 2026
