2307. "The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life. Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all WAR, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to action so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of WAR.[Cf. GS 81 # 4.] "

2308. "All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of WAR.

However, 'as long as the danger of WAR persists and there is no international authority with the necessary competence and power, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed.'[GS 79 # 4.]"

2309. "The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:

These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the 'just WAR' doctrine.

2312. "The Church and human reason both assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflict. 'The mere fact that WAR has regrettably broken out does not mean that everything becomes licit between the warring parties.'[GS 79 # 4.]"

2314. "'Every act of WAR directed to the indiscriminate destruction of whole cities or vast areas with their inhabitants is a crime against God and man, which merits firm and unequivocal condemnation.'[GS 80 #3.] A danger of modern warfare is that it provides the opportunity to those who possess modern scientific weapons especially atomic, biological, or chemical weapons - to commit such crimes."

2315. "The accumulation of arms strikes many as a paradoxically suitable way of deterring potential adversaries from WAR. They see it as the most effective means of ensuring peace among nations. This method of deterrence gives rise to strong moral reservations. The arms race does not ensure peace. Far from eliminating the causes of WAR, it risks aggravating them. Spending enormous sums to produce ever new types of weapons impedes efforts to aid needy populations;[Cf. Paul VI, PP 53.] it thwarts the development of peoples. Over-armament multiplies reasons for conflict and increases the danger of escalation. "

2317. "Injustice, excessive economic or social inequalities, envy, distrust, and pride raging among men and nations constantly threaten peace and cause wars. Everything done to overcome these disorders contributes to building up peace and avoiding WAR:

2327. "Because of the evils and injustices that all WAR brings with it, we must do everything reasonably possible to avoid it. The Church prays: 'From famine, pestilence, and WAR, O Lord, deliver us.'"