But a careful reading of the Pope's address uncovers a much more challenging theme. While the Holy Father is certainly not a warmonger, he did not condemn the use of military force under all circumstances. At the root of so much suffering there lies a logic of supremacy fueled by the desire to dominate and exploit others, by ideologies of power or totalitarian utopias, by crazed nationalisms or ancient tribal hatreds. At times brutal and systematic violence, aimed at the very extermination or enslavement of entire peoples and regions, has had to be countered by armed resistance. Wars generally do not resolve the problems for which they are fought and therefore, in addition to causing horrendous damage, they prove ultimately futile.
War is a defeat for humanity.
These are, beyond question, the words of a peacemaker. But notice that the Pope's condemnation of totalitarian ideology is absolute, while his condemnation of warfare is conditional. When a government systematically oppresses its people, he argues, world leaders should take action. Naturally, the Pope argues first in favor of mediation, negotiation, and diplomacy. But if such efforts prove fruitless, he is not ready to give up the cause.