“Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God's weapons, with prayer and fasting,” the pope said as the situation continued to deteriorate between Russia and Ukraine.

A “just war” in Ukraine would be a catastrophe for all parties. But a “just peace” framework that recognizes the root causes of the conflict can bring the U.S., Russia and Ukraine to a mutually beneficial outcome.

With the “further escalation of tension in Ukraine,” the president of the Polish bishops’ conference asked Polish Catholics to continue praying for peace, but also to be prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees.

Few expected that the waters off Ireland’s southwestern coast would become a potential front in a confrontation with the Russian Federation. But that is exactly what happened at the end of January.

Just war principles do not require Western nations to practice pacifism or ignore Russian aggression in Ukraine. But they may still guide nations to a nonviolent resolution, and Pope Francis can help.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon assesses the future in Myanmar one year after a coup turned back a decade of democratic progress, calling for dialogue, the end of violence and the release of political prisoners.