Summaries / Resúmenes - Studia Moralia

320 BRIAN V. JOHNSTONEof earlier Popes and then to that of the present Holy Father. Thisprocedure may make it possible to discern new developments.The first is the test of “realism.” In a sense, this kind of“catholic”, “pastoral” approach aims at results. That is, it isintended to bring about harmony and reconciliation betweennations. A basic objection would be that it has not producedthese results in times of real crisis, and that it is quite unrealisticto assume that it ever could. For example, Benedict XV wasnot able to bring about reconciliation in 1914-1918, nor were theefforts of Pius XII much more successful in the Second WorldWar. A convinced advocate of the necessity of military violencemight, for example, argue that such proposals of harmony andcommunity among nations are pure fancy, and that the only wayto ensure peace is by enforcing it with armies and a balance ofpower.Has Pope John Paul’s policy been more effective than that ofhis predecessors? His opposition to the war in Iraq does notseem to have had a significant effect on the policies of nations,at least in the short term. The invasion went ahead. Pope JohnPaul II has been more forthright in his support for the internationallaw and the United Nations than previous Popes. Perhapsthe strongest and clearest statements emerging from the HolySee, in relation to the war in Iraq, have been in favour of the resolutionof international and other conflicts with the structuresof law. 28 It has been stated forcefully, that it is not acceptable toabandon these mechanisms so as to leave a resolution simply toshear might.How might the Pope’s support for the United Nations andother international institutions be defended against the scepticismmentioned above? Even one who adopted such reservationsabout international institutions would not accept the balanceof armed force as the way to keep peace within his or her28Archbishop TAURAN, called instead for respect for the Charter of theUnited Nations and, in particular, chapter VII which lays down the criteriato be observed in the case of aggression or threats to peace.www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/2003/documents/rc_segst_30524_tauran-gregoriana_it.html.