US Military Archdiocese Head Archbishop Broglio says Service Members May Disobey "Unjust" Orders to Attack Greenland Citing Pope Leo XIV's Speech

US Military Archbishop: Service Members May Disobey "Unjust" Orders to Attack Greenland

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA and former President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has stated that American service members could be morally justified in refusing orders to seize Greenland by force. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday programme (Time Stamp 37:20), Broglio emphasized that Catholic doctrine protects the right to conscientious objection when military actions violate moral principles or international law.

The Archbishop’s comments come amid escalating tensions following suggestions from the Trump administration that the U.S. might use force to take control of the autonomous Danish territory.

The Moral Case for Disobedience

Archbishop Broglio argued that an invasion of Greenland—a territory of NATO ally Denmark—fails to meet the criteria for a "just war." While acknowledging the professional risks for soldiers, he maintained that the dictates of conscience take precedence over state orders.

  • Moral Autonomy: Broglio stated that if an order is "morally questionable," it is "morally acceptable to disobey."

  • The Catechism Connection: This stance aligns with Catechism of the Catholic Church 1778, which obliges individuals to follow what they know to be "just and right."

  • Diplomatic Reality: Broglio noted that attacking a friendly nation like Denmark is neither "reasonable" nor "acceptable."

Papal Support for Conscience

The Archbishop's position is echoed by the Holy See. Pope Leo XIV recently addressed diplomats, framing conscientious objection not as rebellion, but as a vital protection of human dignity.

"Conscientious objection is not rebellion, but an act of fidelity to oneself... a truly free society does not impose uniformity but protects the diversity of consciences." — Pope Leo XIV

The Vatican, via Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has also urged restraint, warning that "solutions by force" risk sparking broader global conflict.

Context: Rising Tensions and Past Criticism

This is not the first time Archbishop Broglio has challenged recent U.S. military policy. His latest remarks follow a December condemnation of a "second strike" on a Caribbean vessel, which he claimed violated the prohibition against killing noncombatants.

Key Developments:

  • The Nobel Dispute: Over the weekend, President Trump reportedly informed Norway’s Prime Minister that he no longer felt an "obligation to think purely of peace" after being passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize.

  • Strategic Claims: The administration maintains that Greenland is vital to U.S. security, despite Denmark’s existing defense of the island.

  • Global Image: Broglio warned that current rhetoric "tarnishes the image of the United States" and risks serious long-term consequences.

  • Sources: BBC Sunday

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