A Just War

The Catholic Catechism – The Use of Military Force

Section 2328 – The Church and human reason assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflicts. Practices deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal principles are crimes.

Criteria for a just war:

1. Authorization by the competent authority;
2. a just cause;
3. a just purpose;
4. war must be the last resort;
5. the methods used must be proportionate;
6. there must be a prospect of success.