Just or unjust? Catholics respond to the Iran war

About this episode

The episode discusses the justification of U.S. intervention in the Iran conflict through just war theory and features an interview with Jamie Baxter about Exodus 90.

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley sits down with America’s chief correspondent, Kevin Clarke, to discuss the widening conflict with Iran and whether the U.S. intervention in the conflict can be justified under just war theory. Then, we re-share one of our favorite interviews from last year: a conversation with Jamie Baxter, the founder & C.E.O. of Exodus 90. The program, which helps men to strengthen their faith through prayer, asceticism and fraternity, faced some early skepticism from some in the church—and the “Jesuitical” team—that gave way to greater understanding and valuable innovation. Links for further reading: Against Unjust and Unjustified War with Iran I regret supporting the Iraq War. We shouldn’t repeat our mistakes in Iran now. Cardinal Parolin on Iran war: ‘The force of law has been replaced by the law of force’ Lebanese archbishop: Innocents are ‘paying the price’ of Middle East war Pope Leo urges a halt to ‘spiral of violence’ across Iran and Middle East Sorrow, shock for Catholics in Middle East as US and Israel strike Iran amid negotiations You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical…

People in this episode

Host: Ashley

Guest: Kevin Clarke

Topics covered

• just war theory
• U.S. intervention
• Iran conflict
• faith and spirituality
• men's programs
• prayer and asceticism

Keywords

• Iran war
• just war theory
• U.S. intervention
• Exodus 90
• faith
• asceticism
• prayer
• Catholic Church
• Middle East conflict

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Exodus 90, America Media, America magazine

Places: Iran, Iraq, Middle East, Lebanon

More episodes of Jesuitical

• Pope Leo's A.I. encyclical: Top takeaways from “Magnifica Humanitas” · May 28, 2026 · 42 min
• How Catholics became obsessed with sex (and rules) · May 21, 2026 · 47 min
• Catholic? You need to know Father Henri Nouwen · May 14, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Pope Leo XIV: Is he changing the papacy or restoring order? · May 7, 2026 · 38 min
• Pope Leo on same-sex blessings; and is Easter harder than Lent? · April 30, 2026 · 55 min
• Is the Gen-Z religious revival real or hype? · April 23, 2026 · 1h 10m