Is Iran a ‘just war’? U.S. Cardinals weigh in

Is Iran a ‘just war’? U.S. Cardinals weigh in

March 13, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the Iran War and the concept of 'just war' through the lens of comments from Pope Leo XIV and various cardinals, along with updates on synod study group reports.

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss comments from Pope Leo XIV and three cardinals on the Iran War, including one cardinal’s analysis of whether the conflict meets the requirements of a “just war.” In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry give an overview of the three synod study group final reports that have been released so far: on digital mission, seminaries and women’s roles in the church. 0:00 Intro 1:04 Pope Leo’s comments on Iran 7:30 Cardinal Cupich warns against ‘gamifying’ war 12:25 Cardinal David on war technology 14:10 Cardinal McElroy on Just War Theory 21:27 New papal nuncio to the U.S. 24:33 Synod study group report on digital mission 28:31 Final report on seminary formation 31:46 Final report on women’s ministries 36:36 Why did Cardinal Sako resign? Links: Register for Gerry’s book launch Pope Leo calls for a stop to ‘the thunderous sound of bombs’ in the Middle East Pope Leo praises heroic action of priest killed by Israeli tank fire in Lebanon Iran’s Cardinal Mathieu evacuated to Rome Cardinals McElroy and Cupich denounce Iran war: ‘War now has become a spectator sport.’ Pope Leo appoints Archbishop Caccia as…

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